AI-powered smart signs have been installed along Worthing and Goring beaches, giving visitors real-time access to information about bathing water quality while also helping authorities monitor conditions more closely.
The new QR-style signs allow visitors to scan them using a mobile phone to receive up-to-date information about water quality and any live issues affecting the area.
While they appear simple, the signs are powered by artificial intelligence through Hello Lamp Post technology, funded by the Environment Agency. As well as providing information, the system also interacts with users, asking questions about current beach conditions, such as how busy the water is or whether seaweed is present.
The responses help build a broader picture of activity outside the traditional bathing season and can highlight potential pollution risks, including issues linked to wildlife or waste. Visitors can also upload photos or report urgent concerns via the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline.
Cat Fuller, Environment Agency area director for Solent and South Downs, said:
“Normally signs only give quick guidance and direction – these are another level. They give verified facts you can trust and pick up real-life information from those who use the beaches.
“This means we can fix simple issues quicker and investigate more challenging problems thoroughly. Local knowledge married to monitoring expertise is a win-win for our waters.”
Bathing water quality at Worthing and Goring Beach was recently rated as ‘Good’, following improvements including fixing misconnections and increased partnership working.
Councillor Vicki Wells, Worthing's Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said:
"Our coastline is a huge asset for people and nature. It's vital that people feel informed and confident that action and improvements are happening but also play their part to report their observations.
"By introducing Hello Lamp Post with the Environment Agency and Southern Water, we're going further to ensure residents and visitors have easy, on-site access to share what they're seeing in real time.
“This initiative supports the important monitoring work already taking place, adding a valuable new layer of engagement that helps people better understand our beaches and supports our wider efforts to improve coastal water quality."
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