'Do not swim' warning at three UK beaches over 'contaminated water' fears

'Do not swim' warning at three UK beaches over 'contaminated water' fears Three beaches on the Isle of Wight have been closed to swimmers after rainfall resulted in 'outfall release that may have affected water quality', the Environment Agency warned Swimmers have been warned to stay out of the sea at three popular UK beaches after rainfall triggered an "outfall release", sparking fears of contaminated water. An alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for parts of the Isle of Wight following "an outfall release within the last 24 hours which may have affected water quality". The warning covers beaches at Gurnard on the island's northern coast, as well as Shanklin and Bembridge to the east. The Environment Agency is urging people not to enter the water in the affected areas, while the Isle of Wight Council has urged visitors "not to come into direct contact with contaminated water". The council warned that sewage water "can contain bacteria and viruses that may cause illness". Anyone who does come into contact with the water should "wash with soap and water" as hand sanitizer "does not kill all viruses which can cause illness". Signs warning the public have been installed at the affected beaches, with a council spokesperson saying it had taken "immediate action to support public awareness and safety". Details of the warning have also been shared online by the council and through Southern Water's River and Seas Watch website. The alert has left some members of the public fuming, with one person describing the situation as an "utter disgrace". One person commented: "This is disgusting. It cannot be from 'storm' drains." A Facebook user added: "So so gross. Why is nothing being done about this!!?" It comes after a number of pollution-related warnings have been issued around the Isle of Wight's coastline this summer. Anyone requiring more information about the current warning can contact Environment Health on 01983823000.