According to a survey, fears about swimming in raw sewage have caused three out of four people in the UK to avoid the water this summer.
According to official figures, water corporations’ sewage overflows into rivers and oceans increased by 100% last year.
A shocking 73% of respondents said they would either not enter British waters at all (51%), “not likely” (22%), or “not at all” (22%), according to an exclusive YouGov/Central Office of Public Interest (COPI) poll of 2,000 adults. The percentage of those who believe they are “very likely” to swim is below 4%.
The most frequent ailment swimming in sewage-contaminated water may cause is gastroenteritis, which is caused by hazardous pathogens that are discharged into the water as a result of untreated sewage and polluted runoff. Symptoms such as a runny nose, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and fever may develop as a result.
Among the many diseases that pathogenic E. coli strains may induce are gastrointestinal infections, (vomiting, watery diarrhea, and fever), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and in rare cases, pneumonia.
Some water sports businesses often report cancellations due to dangerous waters during or following pollution disasters, significantly impacting their business.
Cinematographer Alex Melman was sent to the hospital with septicemia after kitesurfing in seas that he discovered had been contaminated with sewage. He spent four days in the hospital. He told the pollsters he wished his children could play in the water anytime they wanted, but that it isn’t worth it. The waters aren’t safe until the sewage dumping stops.
Humphrey Milles, founder of COPI, said the country’s water supply has become more polluted due to the government’s persistent inaction, which has allowed water businesses to get away with their practices.
The seas of the UK are home to around 16 million water activity enthusiasts.
