Swimming in UK rivers may seem like a refreshing and enjoyable activity, but recent findings suggest that it could pose serious health risks. According to Charles Watson, the founder of River Action UK, the most dangerous pathogen found in UK rivers is E. coli, which can cause chronic diarrhoea, vomiting, and in rare cases, even death if ingested. With the high levels of rainfall, raw sewage has been pouring into rivers from water companies, leading to elevated levels of E. coli in the water.
River Action UK’s testing revealed that E. coli levels in the waters between Hammersmith bridge and Putney were 10 times above safe bathing levels, causing illness among the Oxford crew during the Oxford Cambridge boat race. While there are newly designated bathing sites with regular testing, there are concerns that current testing may be inadequate.
To determine if your local river is polluted, The Rivers Trust has created an active map showing where sewage network discharges occur. It is advised to avoid entering water downstream of these discharges, especially after rainfall. Additionally, if the water smells bad, has scum or algae, or if there are algae blooms present, it is best to avoid swimming in that area.
If you do decide to swim in a river, it is important to take precautions. Avoid swallowing the water, especially if it smells or looks off, and be cautious of algae blooms. Keep an eye out for wildlife nearby, as their presence can indicate cleaner water. By being aware of the potential risks and taking necessary measures, you can enjoy a safer swimming experience in UK rivers.