Dorset Council Purbeck Watercraft Byelaw 2027

Results updated 10 Jun 2026

Consultation Update: Swanage & Studland Bay Amended Byelaw Proposals

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent consultation on proposed changes to the byelaws in Swanage and Studland Bays.

A total of 437 responses were received, with strong participation from local residents—particularly from Swanage—and from local sailing, rowing, and swimming groups. This highlights the importance of these waters to a wide range of users.

Key consultation findings

  • Local engagement:
    The consultation attracted significant local interest, with over three-quarters of responses coming from Swanage residents.
  • Scope of the byelaw clarified:
    There was strong opposition to including non-motorised watercraft. As a result, the amended byelaw will continue to apply only to motorised watercraft. Non-motorised users, such as sailing boats and rowers, will not be directly affected.
  • Support for extended timing:
    A clear majority (over 60%) supported extending the period during which speed restrictions apply by one month. The amended byelaw will therefore apply from 15 March to 30 October (inclusive).
  • Feedback on buoy locations:
    There was strong opposition to the proposed changes:
    • In Swanage Bay, nearly 86% of respondents opposed repositioning the speed marker buoys.
    • In Studland Bay, 73% opposed the changes, with some respondents also expressing uncertainty.

Outcome:

    • In Swanage Bay, the buoys will remain at 300 metres from mean high water. A minor adjustment will be made to ensure the line consistently follows the 300m distance, as it currently extends closer to 400m in places. This approach was supported at the stakeholder consultation event held in Swanage.
    • In Studland Bay, the buoys will remain at 300 metres. However, where they meet the voluntary no-anchor zone, they will follow the line of that zone rather than continue at a fixed 300m distance.

Next steps

Dorset Council will now submit the amended byelaw, reflecting the consultation findings, to the Department for Transport. The proposals will also be considered by Full Council before being submitted for approval by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Files:

Closed 15 Apr 2026

Opened 18 Feb 2026

Contact

01305 224760

bridget.betts@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Overview

Dorset Council is consulting on proposed updates to the Seaside Pleasure Boats Byelaws 2013, which are set to become the Dorset Council Purbeck Watercraft Byelaw 2027. These changes aim to improve safety, protect the environment, and ensure that everyone using Purbeck’s coastal waters can enjoy them responsibly.

What are the proposed changes?

Updated Title

The byelaw has been renamed from Seaside Pleasure Boats Byelaws 2013 to Dorset Council Purbeck Watercraft Byelaw 2027 to better reflect the full range of vessels and activities it now covers.

Clearer, Modernised Wording

  • The updated byelaw includes improved explanations so all users understand key terms such as:
    • moorings
    • defined watercraft activity areas
    • Voluntary No Anchor Zones
  • Language has been simplified and clarified to ensure the byelaw is easier for everyone to follow.

Expanded Definition of Watercraft

  • The 2013 byelaw focused mainly on personal watercraft (PWC) and motorboats.
  • The 2027 update uses the term watercraft to include:
    • kayaks
    • kite surfs
    • windsurfs
    • wing boards
    • sail boats
    • motorboats and personal watercraft
  • All of these must comply with the 5‑knot speed limit within the speed marker buoy zone.

Timing Changes for Speed Marker Buoys

  • Deployment period extended from 15 March – 30 September to 15 March – 30 October (inclusive) to cover a longer season of water-based activity.

Changes to Speed Marker Buoy Positions

  • Buoys moved closer to the beach to better reflect how the coastline is used and to improve safety.

Swanage

  • Buoys moved from 300m to 200m from the shore, following the curve of the bay.

Studland

  • Same reduction from 300m to 200m, following the curve of the bay.
  • Where this meets the Voluntary No Anchor Zone, the buoy line follows the boundary of that zone.

Why your views matter

The updated byelaw will guide how Purbeck’s coastline is managed, and your feedback helps ensure it is fair, practical and effective. By taking part, you can improve safety, protect sensitive marine areas, support rules that work for residents, visitors and businesses, influence how shared coastal spaces are managed, and help shape the final byelaw before it is adopted.

If you would like to access the policy or this survey in a different format, please contact us at 01305 224760

Dorset Council will also ensure that your data is stored appropriately. See details of our Data Privacy and GDPR policy

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