What do I need to consider if I want to scatter cremated remains on a river or sea?
If cremated remains are scattered on the sea, from the beach or promenade or from a boat then no permission is required. If they are scattered from the pier then permission is required from the pier owners.
For any of the above, it is advisable to inform the beach patrol (telephone 01253 626141) so they are aware of the scattering and they can advise on any safety requirements.
Another way of having the ashes scattered at sea is to ask the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and offer a donation for this service.
No artificial flowers or wreaths should be placed on the sea.
If you want to scatter ashes on a river, permission must be obtained from the landowner who owns the riverbank unless it is a public slipway. No scattering must take place where there are bathers, canoeists, sailors or from a bridge.
No ceremonies should take place in windy conditions and the ashes must be spread across the water. No scattering should take place within 1km upstream of a drinking water supply. For more information please
email the Environment Agency or have a
look at their website.
At no time should any artificial flowers be scattered or memorials erected on riverbanks.