Lifeguards warn North Devon beachgoers of dangers caused by winter storms

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AS LIFEGUARDS return to North Devons beaches this Easter, visitors are being warned of dangers caused by severe winter storms.

Bad weather has changed many of the areas beaches, with strong rip currents resulting from the movement of large amounts of sand.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling beaches this Easter including Croyde and Woolacombe.

Lifeguard manager Brett Shepherd said: Were really pleased to be providing cover on beaches around the UK over the Easter period.

Now that spring has officially sprung we hope people will head down to the coast and enjoy our wonderful beaches.

However, the winter storms have changed the make-up of some beaches and many returning to their favourite spots may be surprised at how different everything looks.

Sand dunes have been washed away at some beaches leaving sheer sand cliffs, access points to and from some beaches have changed and shifting sand has left deep channels which can cause strong rip currents.

Mr Shepherd said: Wed urge anyone planning on visiting a beach over the Easter holidays to check local information in advance and head to a life-guarded beach.

Swimmers should ensure that they swim between the red and yellow flags, which mark out the safest area to swim and are patrolled by lifeguards. Please take heed of the safety signage and any advice offered by the lifeguards on duty.

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Lifeguards warn North Devon beachgoers of dangers caused by winter storms

Where to go beach bumming this summer

If youre tired of the usual summer hotspots, there are many more beaches in the Philippines worth exploring. Some of them are still unspoiled by commercial development and less crowded. They boast of long coastlines, gentle waves, clear waters and some even have pink sand beaches perfect for a relaxing summer.

1. Pangasinan's 'Mini Boracay'

In the town of Dasol in Pangasinan, tourists flock to see the gentle waves kiss the white sand along Osmea beach. Just a five-hour trip from Metro Manila, beach lovers will surely enjoy the "mini Boracay" experience that also includes beautiful rock formations along the beach.

2. Beach bumming at Laiya

San Juan, Batangas is proud of its 32-kilometer coastline boasting of clear waters and fine, white sand. Just three hours from Manila, Laiya Beach is a good spot for sunbathing, snorkeling and bonfires.

3. Puerto Princesa's Isla Puting Buhangin

Enjoy peace and quiet in a hidden paradise in Puerto Princesa, Palawan for free. Isla Puting Buhangin, an island of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters will surely take your stress away. Just a reminder, because the island has yet to be touched by commercial development, don't forget to bring your own food.

4. Northern Samar's pink beach

Tired of white sand beaches? Heres something new: Sila Island in San Vicente Northern Samar boasts of pink sand beaches. It got is hue because of corals. Spared by super typhoon Yolanda, the pink beaches of Northern Samar also hosts activities such as diving, snorkeling and island hopping.

5. Compostela Valley escapade

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Where to go beach bumming this summer

Beaches named best resort for families

KINGSTON - For the second consecutive year, Jamaica-based hotel Beaches Negril Resort and Spa, has copped the coveted TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award for the Top Hotel for Families in the Caribbean. Sister property, Beaches Turks and Caicos walked away with the third place title.

Half Moon in St James copped the fourth place while Tryall Club in Hanover came in at number ten.

TripAdvisor is the worlds largest travel site, connecting real travelers who share advice and reviews on vacation destinations. It also links visitors to hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses in the hospitality industry. The TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award is in its twelfth year and winners are determined based on the reviews and opinions of millions of travellers globally.

The worlds most outstanding properties were identified in the categories of top hotels, bargain, B&Bs and inns, family, luxury, romance, and small hotels.

This is a wonderful achievement, stated Adrian Whitehead general manager of Beaches Negril, upon learning of the milestone achievement.

We always strive to provide our guests with the most high quality and innovative products and amenities on the market; Beaches is also bolstered by a team committed to excellence. I am positive we can take it to another level and in doing so, highlight the Jamaica tourism industry as a powerful brand a force to be reckoned with regionally and worldwide.

In 2013, the resort was also named among the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice awardees for Top 10 Best Family Resorts in the World, and voted the #1 hotel for the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda, in the world-leading Travel + Leisure magazines readers survey.

For 14 consecutive years, Beaches Resorts have held on to the World Travel Awards for Worlds Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand. Nestled on the world famous Negril seven-mile white sand beach, Beaches Negril has among its offerings, adrenaline packed unlimited land/water sports, a Kids Kamp & Nursery as well as an interactive teens program, Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street and a Pirates Island Water Theme Park. (PR)

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Beaches named best resort for families

British beaches are cleaner than ever

In 2008, 2009 and 2012 beaches in Britain suffered as unusually wet summer weather caused more pollution to run onto beaches at ground level and via overloaded sewers.

In contrast, last years summer was the driest on record, leading to much lower levels of contamination.

Met Office data suggests the early summer in Britain is more likely to be unusually wet than unusually dry, however, which could lead to another increase in pollution.

By 2015 all beaches will be required to meet at least the minimum sufficient standard under the EU Bathing Water Directive, which is about twice as tough as the current standard.

Beaches which do not make the grade will have to feature prominent signs warning visitors against bathing from the summer of 2016 onwards.

Rachel Wyatt, Coastal Pollution Officer for the MCS, said: It's great news that we are able to recommend more beaches than ever for excellent water quality and it shows just how good British beaches can be.

The main challenge now is maintaining these standards, whatever the weather.

Most people don't realise what a big impact the weather can have on bathing water quality.

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British beaches are cleaner than ever

EU to ban our beaches: 1 in 10 could fail tough new safety tests

New European directive enforced in May 2015 tightening water rules It means dozens of British beaches will be off-limits for swimmers Tourism bosses warn it could spell disaster for local businesses

By Ben Spencer

Published: 18:50 EST, 14 April 2014 | Updated: 03:22 EST, 15 April 2014

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Some of Englands best-loved beaches could be turned into no-go zones for swimmers under tough new EU rules.

Tourism bosses predict a disaster for local businesses if popular resorts are placed on an environmental blacklist over water quality.

When the new European directive is enforced in May 2015, the rules on water safety will become twice as stringent overnight, rendering dozens of beaches which are currently safe off-limits for swimmers.

Warning: Tourism bosses warn the new rules could be disastrous for local businesses across Britain's coast

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EU to ban our beaches: 1 in 10 could fail tough new safety tests