DATELINE :- 6th March 2000

Pollution research

Surfers call for diver feedback
The ongoing threat to water-users posed by untreated coastal sewage has been highlighted by the widely publicised inquest into the death of eight-year-old Heather Preen, who was found to have died as a result of E-coli poisoning from a beach at Dawlish in Devon.
An article in the Sunday Times quoted research by Surfers Against Sewage indicating that, of nearly 900 incidences of infection recorded, more than 70 per cent were contracted from beaches which were declared clean under the European Bathing Water Directive of 1976.
"We have sub-aqua records involving ear, nose and throat infections in Scotland, Devon and Hampshire," Campaign Manager Vicky Garner told Diver. "We campaign for divers and sailors as well as surfers in that we propose tests for areas such as headlands and bays - not just beaches, which form the basis for the regulations. We favour references to 'recreational waters' rather than to 'bathing waters'".
The Department of Transport, Environment & Regions has recognised that the 1976 European standards require stiffening, added Garner. Ironically, Britain has been found in breach of the standards even as they stand, at 38 sites including Blackpool, Folkestone and Teignmouth.
Ministers reacted last November by announcing an £8 billion scheme to sanitise sewage disposal around the country.
Divers who witness sea pollution or suspect that they are suffering from a pollution-related illness are asked to telephone Surfers Against Sewage on 01872 553001.

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