The Tidy Britain Group has awarded 308 beaches with the Seaside Award, adding 36 more beaches to the list since last year. The Group says the award is presented to resorts and rural beaches that are well managed with excellent facilities for all. This includes providing first aid, having supervisors, clean toilers and ensuring access and facilities for disabled visitors at each resort. Dogs are also banned from sections of resort beaches. Rural beaches have a local guardian who must ensure that they are clean and well managed. The Environment Agency tests bathing water quality and only those beaches that have passed the EU minimum legal standards, as well as the strict Seaside Award management criteria, are allowed to fly the yellow and blue flag. The Seaside Awards flags will be presented at a ceremony in Torquay on 26 March.