Dunkirk beach swimming resumes after E. Coli suspicion

Swimming at beaches in Dunkirk (Hauts-de-France) has resumed this morning (August 25) after a temporary closure linked to suspicions of elevated levels of E.coli in the sea.

A first analysis of the sea on Tuesday raised suspicions of elevated levels of the bacteria, leading to swimming to be temporarily banned. Further, more in-depth tests revealed the sea was safe, and swimming resumed today.

A spokesperson for the city's mairie told The Connexion that the closure was precautionary and the sea was safe. He said that he does not know if the cause is linked to a sewage leak in England caused by heavy rains. He said that investigations into the results of the first test are ongoing.

He added that the reasons for elevated levels of E. Coli are multi-faceted and can be linked to the weather and the temperature of the water.

Water from overflowing sewage systems in the UK have been directed into rivers and the sea, leading to warnings about pollution being issued for around 50 beaches in England and Wales.

Three French members of the European Parliament have called for a stop to the UK diverting sewage water into the Channel and the North Sea.

Pierre Karleskind, Nathalie Loiseau and Stéphanie Yon-Courtin said that the UK was failing environmental engagements since its withdrawal from the European Union.

“We cannot allow the environment, the economic activity of our fishermen and the health of our citizens to be seriously endangered by the UK's repeated negligence in managing its waste water.

“The Channel and the North Sea are not dumping grounds,” Ms Yon-Courtin wrote in a press statement published yesterday (August 24).

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