Jill Reidy, a 71-year-old resident of Blackpool, discovered the joy of sea swimming just last year and experienced a remarkable improvement in her mental health and overall well-being. However, this summer, sewage alerts have prevented her from enjoying her beloved activity. Reidy, who swims as part of a group at Cleveleys beach, has only been able to swim a few times since mid-June due to elevated pollution levels. Normally, she would swim at least four times a week, even in the winter with the help of a wetsuit and gloves.
Reidy’s group relies on apps that track pollution levels to make informed decisions about swimming, and in the past, they have been kept out of the water due to pollution. However, this summer has seen an alarming increase in water quality alerts. According to data from Surfers Against Sewage, Cleveleys beach has already had 38 warnings in 2023, compared to 24 alerts in 2022. Frustrated by the situation, the swimmers have reached out to local MPs and the area’s water company, United Utilities. Reidy expresses her disappointment, stating that this year has been more focused on campaigning against pollution rather than enjoying their favorite pastime, which has taken a toll on their morale and well-being.
To compensate for not being able to swim in the sea, Reidy tried taking cold showers, but it couldn’t replicate the experience and sense of camaraderie that sea swimming offers. She highlights that their group consists mostly of older women, many of whom have long-term health issues that are alleviated by swimming. Losing the sense of community has been particularly challenging for them. While the government has imposed fines on polluting water companies and demanded infrastructure upgrades to prevent discharges, many swimmers may still be hesitant to return to the water unless conditions drastically improve. A recent poll by Savanta for the Liberal Democrats revealed that almost a quarter of UK sea swimmers may avoid swimming in the ocean this year due to sewage dumping.
Ben Howarth, a 57-year-old kitesurfer from Hertfordshire, used to travel regularly to the coast for his favorite water sport. However, after his daughter fell ill with E. coli following a beach holiday in south-west Wales last summer, he is no longer drawn to the water. Even though there were no alerts for the beach in question, he believes water pollution was the cause. Howarth expresses his disappointment in water companies for the impact they have had on the coastline, calling it a national disgrace. His immunocompromised daughter tested positive for E. coli after the holiday, experiencing fever and digestive issues. He no longer desires to go in the water and resorts to running instead, missing the exhilaration of riding the waves and the sense of freedom it brings.
Felicity Fletcher, a 35-year-old resident of Felpham, used to take her young children to Felpham beach for a swim on summer weekends, making it a fun-filled day with packed lunches and games. However, this year, their family hasn’t been able to swim there due to concerns about sewage dumping. Fletcher explains that they are all enthusiastic swimmers, and not being able to use the nearby beach is disappointing. Her two- and five-year-old daughters are particularly upset about missing out on the experience. Southern Water’s data highlights that Felpham beach has been affected by 13 releases since May. Fletcher describes a specific incident during mid-June when the smell of sewage was so overwhelming that she had to close her windows. She believes that the situation has likely impacted tourism in the area, which relies on visitors attracted to the beach.
Josh Harris, head of communications at Surfers Against Sewage, criticizes decision-makers and water companies for eroding one of the great pleasures of the UK – swimming in coastal waters. He emphasizes that the pollution caused by water companies harms coastal communities and individuals seeking solace in blue spaces for their mental health. Harris urges the water industry and government to prioritize the well-being of people and the planet over profit and take immediate action to reverse the decline of our seas.
The experiences of polluted water have also made some individuals reconsider seaside holidays. Helen Gathercole, a 50-year-old teacher, recently returned from a trip to Pembrokeshire with her three teenage children. However, their enjoyment was marred by sewage discharge concerns at Saundersfoot beach. Despite being rated excellent by Natural Resources Wales, the presence of sewage discharge two days before their arrival made them hesitant to swim until the last two days of their stay. Gathercole mentions that her teens, who prefer water activities over building sandcastles, were left disappointed. While they have been vacationing near the beach for several years, Gathercole has become more aware of seawater pollution this year. She questions the information provided by local councils and expresses uncertainty about trusting it. As a result, they are considering alternative holiday plans for next year, such as visiting a lake or skipping water activities altogether, which is frustrating for her family.
Overall, the influx of sewage alerts and pollution in coastal waters has significantly impacted the well-being, enjoyment, and sense of community for sea swimmers. The need for urgent action from water companies and the government to address and resolve these issues is paramount to restore the joy of sea swimming and preserve the beauty of our coastlines.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
