Beaches across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are filling up quickly today.

The sun may be hiding behind some clouds on the Dorset coast, the high temperatures remain meaning a dip in the sea is a must for some visitors.

BCP Council’s new Beach Check app is warning that ‘safe social distancing is not possible’ is not possible at the following beaches:

  • Alum Chine
  • Avon Beach
  • Boscombe Beach East
  • Boscombe Beach West
  • Bournemouth Beach East
  • Bournemouth Beach West
  • Branksome Chine
  • Branksome Dene Beach
  • Durley Chine
  • Fisherman's Walk
  • Friars Cliff
  • Highcliffe Beach
  • Highcliffe Castle
  • Middle Chine Beach
  • Mudeford Quay
  • Mudeford Sandspit
  • Sandbanks
  • Shore Road
  • Southbourne Beach

Live updates: Sandbanks full and delays on the A31

But these beaches while congested are not as crowded:

  • Canford Cliffs
  • East Cliff
  • Flaghead Chine
  • Manor Steps
  • Solent Beach

As previously reported, the app has a live traffic light system to help visitors avoid busy sections of the beach.

Green means there is low congestion, amber means the beach is congested with people asked to ‘stay alert’ and red means ‘avoid, safe social distancing not possible’.

The latest update today was at 2pm.

Residents and visitors have been urged to all “play their part” in ensuring public safety as a heatwave hits Dorset this weekend.

Temperatures are expected to remain consistently high over several days, with a heatwave warning in force.

Authorities are keen to prevent chaotic scenes on beaches like those witnessed in June, while also welcoming people back to the county to aid the recovery of the hospitality industry.