Hundreds of tourists have fallen ill after visiting UK beaches, new figures have revealed.
Marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) received more than 700 reports of sickness across 406 locations this year alone, including from ‘Blue Flag’ beaches which must pass strict tests for cleanliness.
While more than 15,000 days – equivalent to 41 years – have been taken off work due to sickness contracted from the UK’s waters since 2019.
The polluted water, the charity said, has caused swimmers to suffer from illnesses such as gastroenteritis and ear infections, which has led to hospitalisations and time spent off work.
Some 765 people
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