‘Do not swim’ warning at THREE beaches in English holiday hotspot after ‘disgusting’ sewage spill

THREE UK beaches have been closed to swimmers following a water pollution alert. It comes after rainfall resulted in “outfall release within the last 24 hours that may have affected water quality”. A ‘no swim’ alert has been issued for three popular bathing areas in the UK (stock image) Credit: Getty Gurnard in Isle of Wight is included in the warning after water contamination Credit: Getty Members of the public have been warned by the Environment Agency not to swim in and around three areas on the Isle of Wight. Beaches at Gurnard on the north of the Island and along the east coast in Shanklin and Bembridge are currently impacted by the alert. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The Isle of Wight Council advised anyone planning to visit the beaches “not to come into direct contact with contaminated water”. “Sewage water can contain bacteria and viruses that may cause illness,” they advised. Anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated water is advised to “wash with soap and water” as hand sanitizer “does not kill all viruses which can cause illness”. A council spokesperson said it had taken “immediate action to support public awareness and safety” and explained that “warning signage was installed at affected locations at the earliest opportunity”. Bathers in and around Shanklin have been advised to steer clear of the water Credit: Getty Bembridge is the third area included in the bathing alert issued this week Credit: Getty Information has also been shared on the council’s website and social media channels, as well as on Southern Water’s River and Seas Watch website. Members of the public described the incident as an “utter disgrace”, with one person writing: “This is disgusting. It canno tbe from ‘storm’ drains.” Most read in The Sun “So so gross. Why is nothing being done about this!!?” asked another Facebook commenter. The alert follows several warnings not to swim on the island’s coast this summer due to pollution. For further information on the warning, contact Environmental Health on 01983 823000. 1 comment1