Rules on Bournemouth beaches that all visitors need to know

With the weather improving this weekend and highs of up to 18C our beaches will hopefully be full of people safely enjoying the sun, sea and sand. 

However, there are a number of rules that all visitors need to be aware of when visiting the beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. 

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Dogs on the beach:

New rules prohibiting dogs from accessing a number of beaches came into force at the start of the month, running all the way through until the end of summer.

The restrictions have been put in place by BCP council from 1 May to 30 September.

Dogs must be under control at all times and they must also be kept on leads on the promenades, piers, zig zags and footpaths and owners must clean up after their dog.

Failure to comply with the council's rules puts owners at the risk of a fine of up to £1000.

There are a number of beaches across the region however that your dog is permitted.

READ MORE: Dog friendly beaches in Dorset this summer

Coronavirus rules:

We are currently in step three of the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown which means that although restrictions have been lifted, there are still a number of guidelines that must be followed: 

•  Groups of up to 30 can meet outside, this means that there should not be crowds larger than this gathering on the beach. 
•  Facemasks must be worn when ordering from any of the kiosks, hatches, bars or cafs along the beach. 
• Facemasks must also be worn when entering any indoor premises where you cannot socially distance for example, public bathrooms and shops (unless you are exempt).

Do you need to social distance outside? 

Social distancing is one of the main things we've adopted during this pandemic and unfortunately it's not going anywhere. 

You must stay socially distanced from people you are not with, even when outside.

You must maintain a distance of two metres from anyone who is not in your group, even when you are outside. 

This means that you must stay a safe distance away (two metres) from other members of the public on the beach.

What happens if you break the rules? 

If you are caught breaking the coronavirus rules then you will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). 

The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing FPN's.

• You can be given an FPN of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.
• You can also be fined £800 if you attend a private indoor gathering such as a house party of over 15 people from outside your household, which will double for each repeat offence to a maximum level of £6,400.
• If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of more than 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.