Dog owners heading to the North West coast this spring will need to check the signs before letting their pets off the lead, as seasonal beach bans are coming into force from May 1.
The bans are designed to keep bathing beaches clean, protect water quality and manage the busiest summer period.
On Blackpool beach, dogs are not allowed on the sand between North Pier and the Mirror Ball opposite the Solaris Centre from 1 May to 30 September. Dogs are still permitted on the promenade year-round, but must be kept on a lead in certain areas between the North and South Piers.
At Lytham St Annes, the restriction is even earlier: dogs are banned from the amenity beach from Good Friday until 30 September inclusive. Fylde Council says the exclusion zone covers the section between the slipway for St Annes Lifeboat Station and the northern end of North Promenade car park.
In contrast, Formby Beach remains dog-friendly throughout the year, while Crosby Beach allows dogs on most of the beach, with some seasonal exclusion zones. Sefton Council says owners should clean up after their pets, avoid leaving waste bags behind and keep dogs under control.
Morecambe’s North and South beaches also have a summer dog ban running from 1 May to 30 September. Lancaster City Council says the restriction helps maintain bathing water quality and meet Seaside Award standards, and breaches can lead to a fixed penalty notice.
So if you are planning a coastal walk with your dog this summer, it is worth checking the local rules first, as restrictions can vary not just by town, but by individual stretch of sand.
The exact rules can differ from beach to beach, even within the same town. In many places, dogs may be allowed on the promenade or on parts of the beach outside the restricted zone, but not on the main bathing area during summer.
Guide dogs are generally exempt from beach restrictions. Local councils also warn that owners can face fines for ignoring the rules.