Warning over River Swale swimming at Richmond this summer

The River Swale at the Fosse car park, next to Barrie’s Ices, is now a designated bathing water site.

Following a successful campaign by Save Our Swale, the Environment Agency is regularly testing the water there.

The River Swale at Swimming Pool Beach, Richmond (Image: SAVE OUR SWALE)

The latest Environment Agency results show occasional spikes in E. coli and intestinal enterococci.

However, the site is currently classed as meeting acceptable bathing water standards overall.

The picture is very different at Swimming Pool Beach below the Station car park.

The site is not a designated bathing water location and is not monitored by the Environment Agency.

Save Our Swale has continued to carry out its own testing there, including at Station Bridge and the river bend opposite the beach.

The Save Our Swale warning sign (Image: SAVE OUR SWALE)

Between April and June this year, the group recorded an average E. coli level of 4,500 per 100ml of water.

That is around four-and-a-half times higher than the level considered safe for bathing and could pose a health risk to anyone entering the river.

The group says the results highlight the difference in water quality between the two popular swimming locations and is urging people to be aware of the risks before entering the water.

Anyone choosing to swim is advised to follow World Health Organisation guidance, according to Save Our Swale.

Swimmers should avoid entering the river until at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, when sewage pollution is more likely to affect water quality.

They should also cover any cuts with waterproof plasters, avoid swallowing river water or getting it in their mouth or nose, and wash thoroughly with soap and clean water after swimming.

Save Our Swale is now working with North Yorkshire Council to install warning signs at Swimming Pool Beach to help inform visitors of the potential health risks.