Sewage fear? Keep mouth closed in sea

A WATER company boss said bathers worried about sewage pollution at a seaside resort should swim with their mouths shut.

Ruth Barden’s remarks were slammed by councillors as “awful”, “unacceptable” and “mind-blowing”.

Ms Barden, who made the comments at a council meeting on tackling pollution in Bournemouth, Dorset, said it is legal to release sewage into the sea up to 10 times per year.

The Wessex Water environmental director added: “If you go swimming with your mouth open it is not free from bacteria, so that’s something to be aware of.”

The business said Public Health England advises not to swallow sea water.