The sun has been out so far this Easter weekend with many people flocking to the coast to enjoy some quality family time.
It may not be hot enough just yet to cool down in the chilly North Sea with only the hardiest of souls contemplating a dip. But it will not be long before many of us will dip our toes in the water.
Life is returning to normal after two years of restrictions but with chaos at the airports and ferry terminals, many of us are sticking around our local coastlines for now.
Read more: The best and worst seaside resorts in Yorkshire as rated by holidaymakers
There are a number of factors when choosing the right beach to go to. Some want nice sandy beaches while others are looking for plenty of attractions and facilities to enjoy.
But when it gets hot, a good number of us will want to go to the sea for a dip to cool down. It isn't something we always think about but what is the water quality like where you want to go?
Not all beaches along our coast are designated bathing areas. Areas such as Flamborough North Landing, Ulrome and Mappleton are not designated sites even though they are popular beaches to visit.
And remember, Cowden beach is littered with unexploded bombs after it was once used as a practice bombing range by the RAF so should be avoided.
The Environment Agency has listed the bathing quality of all the beaches along the Yorkshire coast. It uses a star system with one meaning sufficient, two meaning good and three meaning excellent. Some are not even graded if they are deemed unsafe to swim in.
Classifications have been sporadic due to the pandemic but the raings have been updated for 2022. Tests are carried out almost daily to check on any pollution risks. We take a look at the beaches from Withernsea to Whitby.
Withernsea
In 2020 bathing was not advised for much of the summer due to pollution from dredging or construction work. The incident started on June 15 and did not end until August 31 that year.
there was also the tragic sight of sperm whales stranded there on Christmas Eve 2020. But the seaside area is bouncing back and it remains a popular swimming area.
At present, the water quality at the beach is classed as good with no pollution incidents and it has been consistently like that for a number of years barring the 2020 blip.
Tunstall
Tunstall remains on the list but it has been closed for the last few years as there is no safe access to bathers due to coastal erosion.
The beach is a long rural stretch just above Withernsea. It is one kilometre in length and is covered with sand and pebbles. Its last classification was in 2018 when it was handed the top rating of three stars.
Hornsea
Last year Hornsea’s bathing quality was classified as excellent with three stars. However, it has dropped a star this time round although the two-star rating still means the bathing quality is good.
The Environment Agency describes the beach as a long resort beach on the north east Yorkshire coast. It is one kilometre in length and it is made up of sand and pebbles.
It is one of East Yorkshire's most popular beaches, probably only behind Bridlington. The shallow waters make it a good swimming area and lifeguards are around in the summer to look after you.
Skipsea
This popular beach has a very respectable two stars which means it has good bathing quality.
The beach has consistently has two stars for the last few years. It is a busy stretch of beach due to the caravan park just above but can be lovely and quiet out of season.
There is a lot of coastal erosion round here but, unlike Tunstall, it remains safe to access. At low tied there are vast expanses of sand and, like Hornsea, the waters are shallow but they are not patrolled by lifeguards so always be aware of rip currents.
Fraisthorpe
Another beach handed a rating of two which means it is a solid bet for a swim or paddle. This is a well-known beach once renowned for being popular with naturists but which is now a family-friendly area.
The Agency says: “It is one kilometre in length with a gentle slope. At low tide a large area of the beach is exposed and the water’s edge can be some distance away.”
The area has developed and now has The Cow Shed café which opened around three of years ago at the beach providing refreshments. But beware of parking charges which are now more strict than in previous years.
Again, the sea is shallow and you can wade out at waist-height for quite some distance and it is very sandy which makes it so popular.
Wilsthorpe
This section of beach is between Fraisthorpe and Bridlington and also receives two stars for bathing quality.
It has similar features to Fraisthorpe with a vast sand area at low tide and a gentle slope making it shallow. It is difficult to know where Wilsthorpe starts and finishes between Bridlington and Fraisthorpe.
But it offers the same sandy beaches and pleasant bathing experience but tens to be a bit quieter than its neighbours.
Bridlington South
It may just be a stone’s throw from Wilsthorpe but the bathing quality drops to just one here, meaning it is safe to swim in but only just.
It is the only area in East Yorkshire at the moment to score below two stars. Due to its location it is unlikely to improve any time soon.
The Environment Agency suggests the drop in water quality maybe down to the fact the Gypsey Race stream, that runs through the centre of Bridlington, drains into the commercial Bridlington Harbour, which has its entrance just the north of the beach.
Bridlington North
There is better news for the north beach which has two stars which means the bathing quality is good. The beach retains similar features to Bridlington South with 2km of sandy beach and a gentle slope.
But the harbour is a bit further away which means it escapes the polluting effects of that area. It is also generally a little quieter than the South Beach.
Danes Dyke
Just north of Bridlington, this beach has a backdrop of beautiful, white chalk cliffs and has three stars which means excellent bathing quality.
It is a small beach and is largely stony so it's not the place for building sand castles but good for a swim and for rockpooling. But this area can be full of seaweed at times, particularly during low tide which can put people off.
There is also a nice woodland walk you can take down to the beach and a small café at the car park above. That means you can make a real day of it.
Flamborough South Landing
This is another beach with the white chalk cliffs provides an amazing backdrop and the bathing quality has improved since last year.
It now has the top rating of three stars which means the bathing quality is excellent. But, like Danes Dyke, this is a stony beach when the tide is in but is quite sandy when out and there can also be a lot of seaweed.
It is also another great rockpooling spot. There is also the Living Seas Centre, run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, just above, which is always worth a visit.
This is not as picture postcard-esque at North Landing but that beach does not feature as an official bathing spot.
Reighton
Just across into North Yorkshire, this beach has been rated the top three stars, making it a great place for a swim.
The Agency says: "Reighton Beach is a small sandy beach. The designated bathing water area is one kilometre in length with a gentle slope.
“At low tide a large area of the beach is exposed and the water’s edge can be some distance away. The bathing water is backed by clay cliffs to the north and chalk cliffs to the south.”
Filey
This is a hugely popular beach and has a bathing quality of two stars which it has been awarded for the last few years.
Last year TripAdvisor rated it as the 18 th best beach in the whole of Europe and one of the best in the UK. A recent Which? survey has the town top of Yorkshire's seaside resorts.
It hit the news in 2020 for being rather too popular during lockdown and remains a very busy sport during the height of summer. But it is a beautiful, sandy beach and you can see why it proves so popular.
Cayton Bay
This could be a good alternative to Filey and is only a short drive away. The good news is the bathing quality is rated as excellent with three stars
The Agency describes it as “a long rural sandy beach situated on the Yorkshire coast. It is one kilometre in length with a gentle slope”. It is generally a lot quieter than its neighbours of Filey and Scarborough
Scarborough South Bay
This beach has just one star but that is a victory of sorts as the water quality has been classified as poor and bathing not advised in the previous three years.
That means it has gone from being unsafe to safe which is a big step up. It remains a busy beach and you can admire the town’s iconic views from the water or on dry land.
Scarborough North Bay
They may just be separated by a castle but the difference in water quality is vast. If you do visit Scarborough and want to swim then head to the north side where the bathing quality is deemed excellent.
It is a lovely, sandy beach and quieter than its southern counterpart but the water can be a long way away when the tide is out.
Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay
These picturesque areas usually attract visitors for the view, attractions and restaurants and going for a dip here will not be at the forefront of your mind.
But if you are heading further afield and want a swim you will be pleased to know that both beaches have decent bathing quality. Robin Hood's Bay has slipped from three stars to two in the last year but Whitby has kept up its top score of three stars.