Beach Safety Information

Credit - Rebecca Douglas Photography

For visitors looking for something to do

Visitor Information Centre Droit House Stone Pier Margate CT9 1JD Tel: 01843 577577 Open daily 10am to 5pm

@visitthanet on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter www.visitthanet.co.uk

Coastal Explorer Packs Family activity packs with lots of equipment, fun activity cards and trails to help discover Thanet’s heritage and coastline. Available to hire for the day in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate for £5 plus proof of ID Tel: 01843 577577 www.visitthanet.co.uk/coastalexplorers

Digital Discoveries Discover some of Thanet’s unique stories, rich heritage and secrets at key locations around the isle’s stunning coastline. www.visitthanet.co.uk/digitldiscovery

Visitors Map Information on things to see and do all around the Isle of Thanet. Please note visitors should check direct with venues as to their opening, booking system, safety and social distancing measures as the map was produced and printed prior to the pandemic.

Further supplies are available from the Visitor Information Centre - 01843 577577

Please report any problems using the contact below:

Thanet District Council 01843 577000 (01303 221888 - out of hours emergency) Reporting incidents

You can help the authorities deal with problems quickly by reporting hazards and incidents straight away.

Emergencies Coastguard, Ambulance, Police or Fire, call 999 If someone appears to be in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

Anti-social activities & vandalism Kent Police non-emergency number: 101 Anti-Social Behaviour (Thanet): www.thanet.gov.uk/anti-social-behaviour

Pollution (eg chemical waste, or oil spills) If the incident is on the beach, above high water mark: Environment Agency (24hr) hotline: 0800 807060

If the incident is in the sea, below high water mark: Dover Coastguard operations: 01304 210008

Animals & Birds If found stranded, injured or in distress on the beach: BDMLR: 01825 765546 (for marine wildlife), or RSPCA: 0300 1234 999

If deceased, please do not touch or try to move, but report to: Thanet Coast Project: 01843 577672 (Out of office hours, call Thanet Council 01843 577000)

For oil-affected seabirds, please take to a local vets: • Birchington - Thanet Vets: 01843 845347 • Westgate - Thanet Vets: 01843 833017 • Margate -Thanet Vets: 01843 226678 • Broadstairs - Briar House: 01843 863395 • Ramsgate - Plunketts Veterinary Surgery: 01843 591899

Rubbish If you find rubbish dumped on the beach e-mail: [email protected]

Dogs Owners are required to clean up after their dog in all public places. Several beaches are dog free in the summer - see Thanet Coastal Codes or dog bylaws leaflets for details.

Dog Warden: 07780 727799 Local byelaws on the foreshore Your local authority is responsible for local bylaws.

Note: In some cases a criminal offence may have been committed, and the police may need to be involved. Please leave the decision to contact police to the council.

Key Environmental Factors

Nature conservation designations: www.thanetcoast.org.uk/about-us/nature-designations/

NEKMPA Management Plan: www.thanetcoast.org.uk/factfile/ne-kent-mpa-management-scheme/

Thanet Coastal Codes www.thanetcoast.org.uk/factfile/thanet-coastal-codes/

SSSI Agreement: www.thanetcoast.org.uk/media/3617197/SSSI-TDC-SMS-May-2010.pdf

Lifeguarded beaches

The RNLI will provide resources on seven beaches with the support of Thanet District Council and other volunteer groups. The beaches being covered in 2020 are:

• Minnis Bay • Margate Main Sands • Botany Bay • Joss Bay • Stone Bay • Viking Bay • Ramsgate Main Sands

St Mildred’s Bay, West Bay and Westbrook, which would normally be lifeguarded, are not covered this year (2020). Other useful contacts

Angling Trust www.anglingtrust.net 0343 5077 006

Beresford Wakeboard and Waterski Club 07808 232011

Broadstairs Sailing Club www.broadstairssailingclub.com 01843 861373

British Horse Society www.bhs.org.uk 02476 840500

British Kite Surfing Association www.britishkitesports.org 01305 813555

British Marine Federation www.britishmarine.co.uk 01784 473377

British Water Ski Federation www.bwsw.org.uk 01932 560 007

Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk 03708 506 506

Fishermans Corner (fishing tackle shop) - Ramsgate 01843 582174

Foreness Water Ski Club www.waterskiclub.co.uk 01843 299556

Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk 0300 790 6787

Jetski World - Palm Bay www.jetski-world.co.uk 01843 231703

Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Agency (IFCA) www.kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk 01843 585310

Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk 01622 662012 Margate Yacht Club www.margateyachtclub.org

Marine Conservation Society www.mcsuk.org 01989 566017

HM Coastguard www.dft.gov.uk/mca 0203 817 2000 (999 in an emergency)

Minnis Bay Sailing Club www.minnisbaysailingclub.co.uk 01843 841588

Minnis Bay Windsurfing Club www.minnisbaywindsurfingclub.org.uk 07761 127494

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) www.marinemanagement.org.uk 0300 123 1032

Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk 0300 060 6000

NE Kent Coastal Scientific Advisory Group Research Code www.thanetcoast.org.uk

Pegwell Bay Country Park www.kent.gov.uk 0300 333 5146

Ramsgate Royal Harbour and Marina www.portoframsgate.co.uk 01843 572100

Reculver Country Park Visitor Centre www.explorekent.org

Royal Temple Yacht Club www.rtyc.com 01843 591766

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (& Lifeguards) www.rnli.org.uk 0300 300 9990

Royal Yachting Association www.rya.org.uk 023 8060 4100

Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust www.sbbo.co.uk 01304 617341 Sandwich Bay Sailing and Water-ski Club www.sandwichbay.co.uk

Sandwich Sailing and Motorboat Club www.ssmbc.co.uk 07595 839044

South East Coastal Group www.se-coastalgroup.org.uk/

Tides information www.portoframsgate.co.uk/weather-and-tides/tide-times/

Thanet (NEKMPA) Coastal Warden Scheme www.thanetcoast.org.uk 01843 577672

Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team www.thanet.gov.uk/beaches 01843 577000

Thanet Water Users’ Group www.thanet.gov.uk [email protected]

Visitor Information www.visitthanet.co.uk 01843 577577

Weather information www.met-office.gov.uk or www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Your Leisure (for bay inspectors chalets) www.yourleisure.uk.com 03333 660 661

Note: For information on coastal recreational clubs, contact Thanet Coast Project. Interpretations

Byelaws: Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to regulating the seashore and promenades in Thanet. Throughout the byelaws, the following Interpretations will have the following meanings:

1. “The Council” means Thanet District Council (TDC) 2. “The seashore” means those areas of beach and foreshore within the district of Thanet for the time being in the possession of or in the occupation of the Council 3. “The promenade” means all those pedestrian walkways listed in the byelaws schedule.

We refer to a byelaw as an act necessary to the proper execution of a persons duty on the seashore or the promenade by an officer of the Council, or any act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the Council or by any person who has lawful authority under an agreement with the Council, shall not be deemed an offence against these byelaws.

For further information, please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

Schedule of promenades: a. All the lower promenades from a point opposite Plum Pudding Island, Birchington, to a point opposite the junction of All Saints Avenue with Marine Terrace, Margate; b. All lower promenades from and including the promenade known as “the rendezvous”, east of Margate Harbour to a point adjacent to the western most side of the roadway at Friends Gap; c. The promenade from a point opposite the footpath to Stone Road, Stone Bay, Broadstairs, to the North side of Broadstairs harbour; d. The lower promenade from the southern side of Viking Bay to Dumpton Gap Road including Louisa Bay; e. The promenade from a point adjacent to the northern boundary of King George VI Memorial Park at sea level to the commencement of Marine Incline Road, Ramsgate; f. The whole of Western Undercliff promenade of Ramsgate; g. The upper promenade at Margate from the Winter Gardens to Botany Bay, Kingsgate; h. The upper promenade from its entrance at Harbour Street, Broadstairs to its junction with West Cliff Road, Broadstairs; and i. West Cliff promenade at Ramsgate from the Paragon, to include the whole of West Cliff promenade and Prince Edward Promenade. The following statements apply to all the byelaws within document Obstructing officials No person shall:

• Intentionally obstruct any officer of the Council in the proper execution of their duties • Intentionally obstruct any person carrying out an act which is necessary to the proper execution of any contract with the council: or • Intentionally obstruct any other person in the proper use of the seashore, or behave so as to give reasonable grounds for annoyance to other persons on the seashore.

Penalty

Every person who shall offend against any of the foregoing byelaws shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding Level 2 (up to £500) on the standard scale.

Use of Vehicles - Byelaws

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to use of vehicles on the beaches and promenades in Thanet. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to have to pay a fine. For further information please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

5. Use of Vehicles: (1) A person shall not, except in pursuance of a lawful agreement with the Council or otherwise in the exercise of any lawful right or privilege, bring or cause to brought onto the seashore or the promenade, any barrow, truck, machine or motorized or other vehicle other than:

• 5(a) a wheeled bicycle or other similar machine; • 5(b) a wheelchair or perambulator drawn or propelled by hand and used solely for the conveyance of a child or children or a disabled person; • 5(c) a mechanically or electronically propelled wheelchair used solely for the conveyance of a disabled person; • 5(d) any vehicle belonging to the police, fire or ambulance services or where entry to the seashore is required for the purpose of an emergency or in connection with the saving of life; • 5(e) any vehicle towing a trailer and being used for the launching or recovering of a boat at Beresford Gap, the slipway nearest to Westbrook Promenade car Park and friends Gap.

Use of Vehicles: (2) No person shall on the promenades skate on rollers, skateboards, wheels or other mechanical contrivances to the danger of other persons lawfully using the promenades. Cycling Byelaws

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to cycling on the promenades in Thanet. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to have to pay a fine. For further information, please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

3. Cycling on the promenade: At any time of year between the hours of sunset and sunrise, and from 1 May to 30 September inclusive between the hours of 10.00am and 6.00pm also, a person shall not ride any cycle on any of the first promenades. (For details of the ‘first promenades’, see the notes below.) A person shall not ride any cycle on any of the first or second promenades in a manner likely to cause danger or annoyance to any person lawfully using any such promenades. (For details of the ‘second promenades’, see the notes below).(A cycle means a bicycle, a tricycle or a cycle having four or more wheels, including one power-assisted by electrical (or other means not being in any case a motorcycle or motor vehicle.)

First Promenades referred to in the byelaws are:

• Dumpton Gap from a point opposite No 19 (Domus) Western Esplanade to a point at the top of the slope entrance opposite No 23 Western Esplanade, Broadstairs; • Westbrook Bay from a point opposite the bowls pavilion, West Cliff Gardens to a point opposite the slipway to the beach opposite Westbrook Gardens; • St Mildred’s Bay from a point opposite No 3 St Mildred’s Gardens - Rowena Court to a point on the footbridge at the end of Old Boundary Road; • West Bay from a point on the Promenade opposite Domneva Road to a point opposite No 63 Sea Road, Westgate; and • Minnis Bay from a point opposite the second groyne to the west of the main slipway to a point on the promenade opposite the Minnis Bay public house.

Second Promenades referred to in the byelaws are: All the lower promenades in the District of Thanet except the first promenades. Dog PSPO Map

Beach Data Dogs on Beaches

We’d love dogs to be able to enjoy all our beaches and foreshores. However, to ensure Dogs are welcome off their everyone is able to enjoy our coastline, there are some places where dogs can’t go or lead at any time of the year will have to be kept on a lead. MargateMargate Main Main Sands Sands Westbrook Bay Dogs are not allowed on the St Mildred’s Bay Grenham Bay beach between 10am and 6pm West Bay from 1 May to 30 September Epple Bay Minnis Bay

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September Northern Seawall

Dogs must be kept on a lead Dogs are welcome off their Dogs are not allowed on the between 10am and 6pm from lead at any time of the year on: beach between 10am and 6pm 1 May to 30 September from 1 May to 30 September at: Grenham Bay - Birchington Northern Seawall - Birchington West Bay - Wesgate-on-Sea Dogs are not allowed 24 hours Epple Bay - Birchington St Mildred’s Bay - Wesgate-on-Sea a day, all year round Dumpton Gap - Broadstairs Botany Bay - Broadstairs Kingsgate Bay - Broadstairs Joss Bay - Broadstairs Foreness Point - Cliftonville Stone Bay - Broadstairs Dogs must be kept on a lead Sacketts Gap - Cliftonville 24 hours a day all year round Palm Bay - Cliftonville Dogs are not allowed on the Fulsam Rock - Margate beach between 1 May and 30 Eastcliff - Ramsgate Untitled layer September at: Western Undercliff - Ramsgate Minnis Bay - Birchington Dogs must be kept on a lead Viking Bay - Broadstairs Northern Seawall - Birchington between 10am and 6pm from 1 Margate Main Sands May to 30 September on: Ramsgate Main Sands This map shows you were and Louisa Bay - Broadstairs when dogs are allowed on Dogs are not allowed 24 hours a Walpole Bay - Cliftonville day, all year round at: Thanet's beaches. Westbrook Bay - Westbrook Pegwell Bay (mudflats & saltmarsh) Dogs must be kept on a lead 24 hours a day all year round on:

Pegwell Bay - Ramsgate (Upper chalk shore - at low tide) Dog PSPO Map

Beach Data Sacketts Gap Foreness Point Fulsam Rock Sacketts Gap Foreness Point Fulsam Rock Walpole Bay Palm Bay Dogs are welcome off their Walpole Bay Palm Bay lead at any time of the year BotanyBotany Bay Bay MargateMargate Main Main Sands Sands Westbrook Bay Dogs are not allowed on the KingsgateKingsgate Bay Bay beach between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September JossJoss Bay Bay

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September

Dogs must be kept on a lead StoneStone Bay Bay between 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September

Dogs are not allowed 24 hours VikingViking Bay Bay a day, all year round

Dogs must be kept on a lead Louisa Bay 24 hours a day all year round Louisa Bay

Untitled layer DumptonDumpton Gap Gap

Northern Seawall - Birchington

This map shows you were and when dogs are allowed on EastcliffEastcliff Thanet's beaches. RamsgateRamsgate Main Main Sands Sands

PegwellPegwell Bay Bay

WesternWestern Undercliff Undercliff Map Data - 2018 Google PegwellPegwell Bay Bay (mudflats (mudflats & & saltmarsh)saltmarsh) Map Data - 2018 Google Follow the doggy code

Respect other beach users Follow the requests on our and keep your dog in sight. signs - you’ll find our traffic light signs at all bays.

Always bag and bin your Help protect our nesting dog’s poo. Any public litter birds along the coastline: bin will do. If you don’t you keep to paths and use a will be fined £100. short lead when asked to If you forget your poo bags, do so. Never let your dog you can grab an emergency chase wildlife. supply from our Tikspac The Thanet coastline is a stations - find a list of Marine Protection Area - locations at thanet.gov.uk and is home to a range of important wildlife. To find A Public Space Protection Order is in place in Thanet. For more information visit out more visit thanet.gov.uk nekmpa.org.uk Bonfires and Barbecues - Byelaws

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to bonfires and barbeques on the beaches and promenades in Thanet. These byelaws are listed here. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to have to pay a fine. For further information please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

7 (1) Bonfires and Barbecues: Where any part of the seashore has, by notices affixed in conspicuous positions on the seashore, been set apart by the Council for holding of parties or barbecues, no person shall hold any party or barbecue on any other part of the seashore.

7 (2) A person shall not on any part of the seashore so set apart by the Council for the holding of parties or barbecues, organize any party or barbecue unless: a. They have given 7 (seven) days prior notice in writing to the Chief Executive and Officer of the Council, or as soon as reasonably particle after that time, specifying the site, date, time and duration of the party or barbecue: and b. He has not been notified, in writing, by the Chief executive and Officer of the Council that, at the date and time specified in their notice the use of the site has been claimed by an earlier applicant. c. No Bonfires will be allowed on any part of the seashore.

7 (3) A person shall not on any part of the seashore, set apart by the Council for the holding of parties and barbecues commence to hold a party or barbecue before the time or continue it for longer than the period of duration specified in the notice given under paragraph (a) of Byelaw 7(2).

Note: The beach at Joss Bay is exempt from this ruling. Barbecues are allowed - please see the guidance below:

Rules and regulations regarding barbecues

1. Barbecues are not permitted until after 6pm and must be set up on beach/ promenade away from the café, concessions or any other buildings. 2. It is extremely important that any remaining cinders from the barbecues are extinguished. Please make sure you remove them from the beach and promenade areas, do not place them in the beach bins as they are not fit for this purpose. Please do not bury them as this is a danger to other beach users. 3. We would prefer you use custom-built or oil drum barbecues if possible but not gas please. We do request if using a disposable ones that you make sure they are raised off the ground. 4. Please make sure you leave the beach in a clean and tidy condition, no later than 22:00 hrs. If the bins are full please take your rubbish with you. 5. Under no circumstances are open bonfires to be built on the beach. Byelaws are in place so failure to comply with this instruction may lead to prosecution. 6. People are asked to ensure that minimum nuisance is caused to nearby houses by making sure adequate transport and/or supervision is provided when people are leaving the area. 7. We would request that no glass to be taken onto the beach or approach areas. 8. The use of generators or marquees is not permitted. 9. Be advised that camping is not allowed on this or any of our other beaches; byelaws are in place to cover this. 10. Should you have any type of music please make sure that the sound is kept at a reasonable level so as not to cause disturbance to the other beach users or local residents. 11. People are asked to ensure that minimum nuisance is caused to nearby houses by making sure adequate transport and/or supervision is provided when people are leaving the area. 12. Public conveniences are currently open until 8pm. For further information contact: 07789 086289. 13. Large groups of 20 or more need to seek permission first. Contact the council’s Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000. Monday - Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Additional rules and regulations regarding barbecues at Joss Bay:

1. Barbecues are to be set up on the extreme left or right-hand side of the beach and not to take place in the vicinity of the café or other buildings.

Begging and Touting, Hawking - Byelaws

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to Begging, touting and Hawking on the beaches and promenades in Thanet. These byelaws are listed here. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to have to pay a fine. For further information please telephone Thanet District Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

8. Begging and Touting: No person shall on the seashore, to the annoyance or obstruction of any person using the seashore, beg or solicit alms or for the purpose of selling or advertising any article or of obtaining custom, tout or importune, either verbally or by the distribution of hand bills, circulars or advertisements 9. Hawking: Where any part of the seashore has, by notices affixed in conspicuous positions on the seashore, been set apart by the Council for the sale and hawking of such articles, commodities, or things, or classes thereof, as may be specified in the notices, no person shall offer for sale or hawk the same on any other part of the seashore. Horse Riding - Byelaws

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to horse riding on the seashores in Thanet. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to pay a fine. For further information please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

No person shall on the seashore: a. between 1st May and 30th September, inclusive any year, ride any horse between the hours of 09:00 am and 19:00 pm. b. at any time ride any horse or other animal in a race or so as to cause danger or annoyance to any persons using the seashore or break-in any horse.

This byelaw shall not apply to children riding either horses or donkeys led or attended by a reasonable person on foot.

Riders are reminded

• To clear up the beach/prom/slipway after their ride • When leaving the beach please use the relevant slipways avoiding the main promenade areas at all times • Riders must adhere to the no galloping/racing rule and show due consideration to other beach/promenade users at all times.

Booths and Tents - Byelaws

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to Booths and tents on the beaches and promenades in Thanet. These byelaws are listed here. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to have to pay a fine. For further information please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

12. Booths and Tents: Where any part of the seashore has, by notices affixed in conspicuous positions on the seashore, been set apart by the Council for the erection or placing of such booths, tents, sheds, stands or stalls (whether fixed or movable), or vehicles for the sale or exposure of any article or thing, or such shows, exhibitions, swings, roundabouts, or other erections, vans or other vehicles, whether drawn or propelled by animals, persons or any mechanical power, as may be specified in the notices, no person shall set up, place or continue any erection or vehicle so specified on any other part of the seashore. Ball games - Byelaws

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to ball games on the beaches and promenades in Thanet. These byelaws are listed here. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to have to pay a fine. For further information please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

10. Ball Games: Where any part of the seashore has, by notices affixed in conspicuous positions on the seashore, been set apart by the council for the playing of such games (involving the exclusive use of any space by the players) as may be specified in the notices:

• 10 (a) No person shall play any game so specified on any other part of the seashore: and • 10 (b) No person shall use or attempt to use any such part so as to interfere with or cause annoyance to any person already using such part for any purpose for which it has been set apart.

Preaching, lectures, music and entertainment

Thanet District Council has a number of byelaws relating to Preaching, lectures, music and entertainment on the promenades in Thanet. These byelaws are listed here. If you break any of these byelaws, you are liable to have to pay a fine. For further information please telephone the Thanet District Council Beach and Coast Team on 01843 577000.

11. Preaching, lectures, music and Entertainment: where any part of the seashore has, by notices affixed in conspicuous positions on the seashore, been set apart by the council for the delivery such lectures, sermons, speeches or performance of music, or for the holding of such entertainment as may be indicated in the notices:

• 11 (a) no person shall deliver any lecture, sermon or speech, or perform any music, or hold any entertainment so indicated, as the case may be, on any other part of the seashore: and • 11 (b) no person shall use or attempt to use any such part in such a manner as to interfere with or hinder any person already using it for any purpose for which it has been set apart. Water User Group

A Water User Group is available to those who would like access boat launching facilities, slipways and moorings for sailing boats and other crafts. For an annual £60 fee, members of the water user group gain access to our designated facilities for safe and problem free launching.

For enquiries, contact: [email protected]

Thanet boasts a number of beaches and bays where water activities are permitted including: fishing, jet skiing, sailing, speed boats and water skiing. See the information below for launching facilities and contact details. Please follow the Coastal Codes when visiting our beaches and bays.

Sites designated for fishing boats

Birchington

• Minnis Bay, Birchington • Launching permitted for fishing boats and sail craft.

Westgate

• West Bay, Westgate (western slipway) • Launching permitted for fishing boats and sail craft. Max 14ft, Max 20HP. Hand launching only during summer months 1 June to 30 September. • West Bay, Westgate (eastern slipway – by kiosk and beach huts) • Launching permitted for fishing boats and sail craft. No launching during summer months 1 June to 30 September. • St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate • Launching permitted for fishing boats and sail craft. No launching permitted between 9am and 6pm during summer months 1 June to 30 September.

Margate

• Margate (front) Harbour • Launching permitted for sail craft and fishing boats. Moorings available – fees apply. Contact the Harbour Office on 01843 572100 or [email protected] • Margate (rear) Harbour • Launching permitted for sail craft, fishing boats and speed boats. Cliftonville

• Foreness Bay, Cliftonville • Launching permitted for fishing boats, speed boats and water skiing.

Broadstairs

• Viking Bay, Broadstairs • Launching permitted for sail craft and fishing boats. Moorings available – fees apply. Contact the Harbour Office on 01843 572100 or [email protected]

Ramsgate

• Western Undercliff, Ramsgate • Launching permitted for sail craft and fishing boats. • Ramsgate Harbour • Launching facilities at Ramsgate Harbour are not part of the water user group. Launching and mooring fees apply. Contact the Harbour Office on 01843 572100 or [email protected]

Sites designated for jet skis

Birchington

• Beresford Gap, Birchington • Launching facilities are not part of the water user group. Launching facilities for speed boats, jet skis and waterskiing are designated for members of the Beresford Water Ski Club only. Please contact Leigh Flockhart at [email protected] or 07808 232011.

Margate

• Winter Gardens, Margate • Launching permitted for PWC (jet ski, jet bikes, wet bikes only).

Cliftonville

• Palm Bay/Hodge’s Gap, Cliftonville • Launching facilities are not part of the water user group. Launching for PWC (jet ski, jet bikes, wet bikes only) are operated by Jet Ski World (cafe/showers/ toilets). Fees apply, contact Jet Ski World on 01843 231703.

Ramsgate • Eastern Undercliff, Ramsgate • Launching permitted for PWC (jet ski, jet bikes, wet bikes only). Sites designated for sail craft

Birchington

• Minnis Bay, Birchington • Launching permitted for sail craft.

Westgate

Margate

Broadstairs

• Viking Bay, Broadstairs • Launching permitted for sail craft and fishing boats. Moorings available – fees apply. Contact the Harbour Office on 01843 572100 or [email protected]

Ramsgate

Sites designated for speed boats

Birchington

Westbrook

• Westbrook/Barnes Car Park • Launching permitted for speed boats and water skiing.

Margate

• Margate (rear) Harbour • Launching permitted for sail craft, fishing boats and speed boats.

Cliftonville

• Foreness Bay, Cliftonville • Launching permitted for fishing boats, speed boats and water skiing.

Ramsgate

• Ramsgate Harbour • Launching facilities at Ramsgate Harbour are not part of the water user group. Launching and mooring fees apply. Contact the Harbour Office on 01843 572100 or [email protected]

Sites designated for water skiing

Birchington

Westbrook

• Westbrook/Barnes Car Park • Launching permitted for speed boats and water skiing. Cliftonville

• Foreness Bay, Cliftonville • Launching permitted for fishing boats, speed boats and water skiing.

Credit - Rebecca Douglas Photography Community Safety Information

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

1. Types of ASB

Anti-social behaviour can cover a number of different behaviour types. The types of cases that are reported and investigated on a regular basis by the Community Safety unit include;

• Neighbour disputes • Graffiti & vandalism • Street drinking • Menacing groups • Nuisance caused by alcohol or substance misuse • Violence against people or property • Offences based on discrimination • Misuse of public space e.g. Illicit car sales

2. Behaviour that is unlikely to constitute ASB:

There are also situations where a report is made and is investigated, however is then deemed not to be anti-social behaviour. Examples include;

• Children playing football • Occasional problems – such as one-off parties • Day to day domestic activity

3. What is the main issue of the complaint?

It could be a matter for Parking (if abandoned vehicle related) or Environmental Health (if noise/ pollution related)

4. For general nuisance behaviour from people, that is of a persistent nature

Contact a member of the Community Safety Team at [email protected]

5. Emergency situation - crime in progress

If a crime is being committed it needs to be reported to Kent Police on 999.

6. If The crime has already happened

If a crime has already happened you should call the Police on 101.

7. Reporting ASB

Anti-Social Behaviour has been defined as behaviour that causes “harassment, alarm and distress’’ to others (Crime and Disorder Act 1998). It is very difficult to deal with isolated issues, however the Community Safety Team are always happy to give advice.

8. What happens after you report ASB?

Investigation: Details will be taken and passed to the appropriate Community Safety Team member, who will contact you within three working days.

The team will need to ask more questions or make enquiries with other agencies or departments. They will advise you about the next steps.

Working with other agencies or departments

The Community Safety Team work in partnership with a number of public sector, private sector and voluntary partners. During the investigation, other council departments or external agencies may be better placed with tools and powers outside of ASB legislation, which enables a quicker resolution of the problem. A referral to that agency will therefore be made.

For example, acts which constitute criminal, parking or environmental offences or may be referred to Kent Police and the Parking or Environmental Health departments at the Council, respectively.

The Community Safety Team, at the Council will ensure a co-ordinated approach and where necessary liaise with other agencies and departments to oversee resolution of a problem.

If an officer assesses that the report is not anti-social behaviour, advice and guidance will still be given, where possible to all parties and the situation monitored in case circumstances change.

Other Useful Housing Numbers

• Thanet Council Housing 01843 577 262 • Hyde Housing Association 08003 282 282 • Orbit South Housing Association Thanet Office: 08006 781 221 • Sanctuary Housing Association 08001 313 348 • Southern Housing Association 03003 031 773 • Town and Country Housing Association 01892 501 480 • Homelessness enquiries: Porchlight 08005 677 699 Drug Related Incidents

Nuisance caused by substance misuse report to Kent Police on 101

• Forward Trust (Drug and Alcohol support services in Thanet: • 01843 233 600 • Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team (KDAAT) 01622 221676

Graffiti

1. Establish whether the graffiti is offensive or obscene.

This includes drawings, words, phrases, and symbols which could be offensive, racist or abusive. Different procedures apply if the graffiti is obscene.

Obtain as much detail as possible for the location of the graffiti, colour of paint, what the customer thinks is written. If the customer has images and wishes to send them in, they can do so to: [email protected]

The Community Safety Unit will record every report of Graffiti made into the council and monitor any emerging trends. Where a repeat pattern emerges, officers will work with Kent Police to investigate any offenses of Criminal Damage.

Criminal Damage is classed as such if it is in permanent ink or paint. Please note: Chalk is not usually considered as graffiti, unless it is offensive.

• All reports of graffiti on council land will be removed, usually within 10 - 14 working days. • All reports of obscene graffiti on council land will be prioritised and removed, usually within 3 working days. • Please advise the customer, if it is on Private land, then the land owner is responsible for clearance. We cannot usually touch private property and remove without the owners consent. This also includes graffiti at railway stations, phone boxes and post boxes. • The council will still record the details of this graffiti AND it should be reported to the land owner. Note the useful numbers, below. • If the land owner is unknown, and attempt will be made to identify them and arrange removal.

2. Useful Numbers

• Benches • Mary Watts - [email protected] • Lamp posts • If in car parks – [email protected] • If on the main high way – Kent County Council Highways 0300 333 5539 • Bus shelters – Stagecoach • Email: [email protected] • Telephone: 03456 00 22 99 • Phone Boxes/Green boxes – BT • [email protected] • Payphones – ideally tell them the phone box telephone number as well as the location. • Post Boxes- Royal Mail • www.royalmail.com/report-a-crime • Quote box number and location • Railway Stations : • Either British Transport Police on 101, or • Network Rail on: 0845 711 4141 • Electricity substations • Contact EDF Energy on 02072 429 050

Vandalism

The Community Safety Team records and investigates damage or vandalism patterns as part of wider anti- social behaviour patterns. Please record as much information as possible.

Abandoned Vehicles And Parking

There is an online form on the Thanet District Council website, or report it to the Parking Department: [email protected] Tel: 01843 577066/577470

KCC Vehicle disposal scheme

If you have an old car to dispose of or surrender, please don’t abandon it in the street. Use Kent County Councils Vehicle Surrender Scheme Tel: 0845 345 0210