Consultation launched to improve coastal safety and protect marine habitats

A public consultation has opened on proposed changes to the draft Dorset Council Purbeck Watercraft Byelaw, including new locations for speed marker buoys in Swanage and Studland.

The updates aim to improve safety for all water users and protect sensitive marine habitats such as seagrass meadows and areas with eco moorings.  

The proposals reflect the rise in water-based activities in recent years, including paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and motorised watercraft.

Clearer rules and better placed buoys will help ensure everyone can enjoy the coastline safely by reducing speeds closer to shore and creating calmer zones for swimmers and families.

A closer, clearer boundary will make it easier for watercraft to stay at slow speed where swimmers, paddleboarders and families are present, reducing the risk of near misses and keeping the whole inshore area people use within the protected slow speed zone.

Councillor Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said:

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy Dorset’s beautiful coastline safely, whether they’re swimming, paddling, sailing or using powered craft.

“Moving the buoys will help reduce speeds near the shore and protect important marine habitats in Studland. This consultation is an important step, and we want to hear from all water users before a final decision is made.”

Proposed changes include moving the 5‑knot speed marker buoys from 300 metres to 200 metres to bring them closer to shore in Swanage.

In Studland, aligning the buoys at 200 metres to follow the curve of the bay and complement the voluntary No Anchor Zone, which now includes more than 75 eco moorings. These adjustments aim to reduce disturbance to seagrass habitats while ensuring all watercraft comply with the 5knot limit.

By improving buoy placement and clarifying how this byelaw affects anyone using the area, the Council hopes to reduce near misses, improve visibility and make the seafront safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Updating a byelaw takes around 18 months and must be approved by the Department for Transport and Dorset Council’s Cabinet before it comes into force. Residents, businesses, harbour users and visitors are encouraged to share their views on the proposed changes and whether they support the updated buoy positions.

Feedback from the consultation will help shape the final version of the byelaw before it is presented to Cabinet later in 2026. If approved, the new byelaw is expected to come into force in 2027.

People are invited to take part in the consultation online. They can also request the survey in a different format by contacting us on 01305 224760.

The consultation will run for eight weeks as part of the statutory process and will close on 15 April 2026.