A woman from East Lothian, Scotland, found herself hospitalised for five days after a seemingly harmless swim in the sea off the UK coast took a dangerous turn. Shelley Sim had joined a swim group to mark a friend’s birthday when the incident occurred. Despite the celebratory nature of the swim, Shelley woke up the next day experiencing severe stomach pains and fatigue, prompting a visit to her GP. Urgently advised to head to the hospital, Shelley was diagnosed with severe gastroenteritis and dehydration, leading to her five-day hospital stay.
Shelley’s initial health scare from swimming in the sea escalated into several weeks of follow-up appointments that eventually led to a diagnosis of cryptosporidium, a diarrheal disease that can be contracted from swimming in contaminated water. This incident has significantly impacted Shelley’s routine, as she expressed, “I’m no longer swimming every day, and I’m more cautious about getting into the water.” Her usual mental health respite in the sea has now become a source of fear and anxiety, particularly considering the impact it had on her son’s mental health.
In light of Shelley’s experience, she came forward with her story following a report that highlighted shocking statistics regarding sewage discharges by Scottish Water. The report suggested that sewage discharges by Scottish Water could reach alarming numbers, with potentially over one discharge occurring every 90 seconds. This concerning revelation sheds light on the potential risks posed by contaminated water bodies to unsuspecting swimmers and surfers.
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) recently published a Water Quality Report that underscored the concerning practices of Scottish Water, pointing out discrepancies in reported sewage overflows and their actual occurrence. The report highlighted a lack of real-time monitoring and disclosure of sewage discharges, leaving water users vulnerable to entering polluted waters unknowingly. Giles Bristow, the CEO of SAS, condemned Scottish Water’s lax approach to public safety and urged for immediate action to improve monitoring and alert systems.
The alarming figures presented by the report indicate a significant number of sickness cases linked to sewage pollution, potentially resulting in years’ worth of sick days and substantial economic impacts. Despite Professor Simon Parsons of Scottish Water defending the overall high quality of Scotland’s water environment, the discrepancies in sewage monitoring and reporting remain a pressing issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
Shelley’s distressing ordeal serves as a poignant example of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly serene waters, urging authorities to prioritise the safety and well-being of water enthusiasts. As concerns regarding water quality and safety continue to grow, it is imperative for water management authorities to take proactive measures to ensure the public’s health is safeguarded when engaging in recreational water activities.