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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Some of the beaches which did not meet water quality levels included those at family-friendly resorts like Bude in Cornwall and Blackpool. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The downgraded figures have been blamed on last year's washout summer, which caused all manner of water problems nationwide. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Bathers are at risk of ear, nose and throat infections and even gastroenteritis, the Marine Conservation Society said. <\/p>\n
Swimmers can be exposed to pathogens, which can enter the ears, eyes, mouth and nose. <\/p>\n
Skin is also exposed to infection through swimming near polluted waters. <\/p>\n
The health consequences include urinary tract infections, flu-like illnesses, dermatitis, sinusitis and deep tissue or blood infections through open wounds. <\/p>\n
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Read this article: <\/p>\n
What are the health risks for swimmers on Britain's beaches ?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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. Continue reading