‘Do Not Swim’ notice in place for two north Dublin beaches

Swimming has been ruled out for a second north Dublin beach this week after elevated levels of bacteria were detected in the water.

Fingal County Council has issued a "Do Not Swim" notice for Burrow Beach in Sutton due to water pollution. The bathing ban will be in place until at least Friday in what has been the hottest week of the year so far.

Swimmers on Tuesday were warned to stay out of the water at South Strand beach, Skerries, after tests found E.coli levels were "higher than the acceptable limit".

The Skerries warning was on Wednesday elevated to a “Do Not Swim” notice. The advice against entering the water had initially been in place for 72 hours, but has also been extended until Friday, pending the results of tests.

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At both beaches the bacteria has been attributed to “the impact of animals and birds as well as contamination of urban surface waters”, the council said.

“Higher levels of bacteria are usually short-lived and most bathers are unlikely to experience any illness,” it said.

The council has not closed the beaches but “beach users are asked to respect the advisory notice as it has been put in place to ensure that the health of bathers is not compromised”, it said.

In particular, it said, people should avoid swallowing or splashing water, wash their hands before handling food, avoid swimming with an open cut or wound, and avoid swimming if they are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

Notice boards detailing the swimming notices have been erected at the entrances to each beach.