SWIMMING warnings have been issued for over 40 seaside hotspots in the UK this weekend.
Brits have been urged to refrain from in locations across the country because of raised levels of .
Water quality at designated bathing sites in is assessed by the Environment Agency.
Between May and September each year, they take samples to measure the water quality.
Annual ratings classify each site as excellent, good, sufficient, or poor based on measurements taken over a period of up to four years.
And at a number of sites, daily risk forecasts are issued.
But with and people flocking to , Brits have been urged to not bathe at over 40 sites across the country.
Poor water quality
A swathe of locations have been designated poor bathing water quality with advise urging people against getting into the waters.
For example, has been classified as poor quality since 2021 by the Environment Agency, with high levels of pollution in the water.
The dirty waters have been credited to waste coming from seabirds – as much as 60 per cent – rather than sewage waste.
Thebacterialevels are highest in July and August – the peak tourist season – although the reasons are still being discussed.
Suggestions include a lack of rainfall and an increase in tourism.
And experts have warned that it could never be safe to swim in again.
In addition, it’s been advised not to swim in, Tyneside, after it failed to meet the minimum standards for water quality – so it’s best just to frolic on the sand for this one.
And just this week, the Environment Agency issued a stark warning at Hill Head beach, Hampshire, because of a sewage line burst.
FarehamBorough Council confirmed that bathing water from Hill Head to Lee-on-the-Solent has been closed due to “sewage pollution”;.
But despite over 40 locations designated as unsafe to swim in, there are still hundreds of other spots across the country for you to dip your toes.
What about the cleanest beaches?
We’ve rounded up some of the
Which?has revealed the top six UK beaches with the highest water quality that are perfect for a swim.
Here are more.
While the UK didn’t bag the top spot, three of our beautiful beaches made it onto the list.
And here is.
