The Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide revealed that 42 British beaches last year failed to meet minimum EU levels for bathing water - a rise of 17 beaches from 2011's figures.

Only 403 of the UK's 754 beaches (53 per cent) were given the top 'recommended' award for water quality last year - 113 fewer beaches than the previous guide.

Some of the beaches which did not meet water quality levels included those at family-friendly resorts like Bude in Cornwall and Blackpool.

The Marine Conservation Society identified 42 beaches with water which did not meet mandatory bathing standards - you can see where they are on the map above.

The downgraded figures have been blamed on last year's washout summer, which caused all manner of water problems nationwide.

The rain and flooding led to an increase in bacteria and viruses in bathing water, coming from a variety of sources such as agricultural and urban run-off, storm waters, plumbing misconnections, septic tanks and dog waste.

Bathers are at risk of ear, nose and throat infections and even gastroenteritis, the Marine Conservation Society said.

Swimmers can be exposed to pathogens, which can enter the ears, eyes, mouth and nose.

Skin is also exposed to infection through swimming near polluted waters.

The health consequences include urinary tract infections, flu-like illnesses, dermatitis, sinusitis and deep tissue or blood infections through open wounds.

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