Even just a hint of good, sunny weather on a Bank Holiday weekend, can spark an insatiable need to pack up the kids, picnic stuff and dog into the car and hit the beach.
And the Met Office is predicting temperatures are set to soar, with a possible heatwave hitting Lancashire over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, thousands are expected to travel to the coast. The county has plenty of award-winning and family-friendly beaches to choose from, whether it’s vast, open sand dunes you are looking for or smaller, pebbly hideaways.
Tourist resorts such as Blackpool, Southport, Morecambe and Lytham St Annes are go-to places for families looking for fun and sun, with many attractions to enjoy on top of building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. There’s also alternative beaches, such as Fleetwood on the Fylde Coast or Half Moon Bay in Heysham.
But there’s six golden rules beachgoers must follow, that they may not be aware of. If they break them, they could end up being fined.
Here’s the laws, as revealed by legal experts, you must abide by if you are planning a trip to the beach in Lancashire this week or over summer.
(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Littering On the Beach
Dropping or leaving litter in public places in the UK is a criminal offence and also applies to beaches. People who drop litter can face prosecution in court and can be fined up to £2,500 if convicted.
Those who are authorised to do so can also charge a person with a fixed penalty notice of up to £80.
Taking pebbles and shells home with you
This one may be one of the most surprising, but under the Coastal Protection Act 1949, it is actually illegal to take any kind of natural materials from public beaches and could see you fined up to £1,000 if you are caught.
Walking your dog
Many councils impose restrictions on allowing dogs on their beaches under the Public Spaces Protection Order and owners could be fined £100. Make sure you check a beach’s policy before you take your do
Hosting a beach BBQ
Some beaches allow BBQs, but on others it is banned, especially disposable ones due to the rise in littering. Check the beach’s BBQ-use policy before you arrive, otherwise you run the risk of a £100 and having it confiscated.
Put your tent away
It is illegal in most areas in the UK to camp on the beach. A fine of £1000 can be issued or offenders could face a court prosecution.
No trespassing
Most beaches are public spaces, but a limited amount have strict opening times and some are even private land. If you are found trespassing on a private beach without permission, you could face a fine.
