Environment Ministry to designate areas for safe sea bathing

The Environmental Ministry will soon designate areas for sea bathing around the country, to ensure the safety of persons using them.

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) under the purview of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) will conduct water tests to ensure that it was safe for bathing.

“We have conducted tests in several main areas used for sea baths and found the quality of the water to be unsuitable. Therefore, some of the areas currently used are not safe, as bathing in these areas could cause skin irritation and damage to eyes,” MEPA Operations Manager Jagath Gunasekara told the Sunday Times.

He said that, due to pollution caused by visitors as well as various activities in the surrounding areas, the pollution level was high and part of the programme was to reduce pollution in the area, to ensure that visitors have safe bathing places.

“In addition, there will be signboards in these bathing areas to indicate the safety of the location for bathing. This would be done in keeping with international standards, as most tourists too are attracted to the local beaches,” Mr Gunasekara explained.

He said that, information made available will include the safe distance for bathing, including the condition of the waves on the particular day. A monitoring team which includes a lifeguard, an Environmental officer, a Public Health Inspector and a representative of the Coastal Conservation Dept will be included in the team.

Initially, the project will be implemented in Tangalle, Polhena- Matara, Unawatua- Galle, Hikkaduwa, CalidoKalutara, Bentota, Mt Lavina, NilaveliTrincomalee, Pasikudha– Batticaloa and Arugam Bay beaches.