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A WATER expert has revealed the signs you could be swimming through raw sewage.

Stuart Davies, Surfers Against Sewage regional rep for Brighton, said bathers should never assume the water will be clean.

ITVStuart Davies, Surfers Against Sewage regional rep for Brighton, said bathers should never assume the water will be clean[/caption]

ITVMr Davies appeared on ITV Tonight’s Britain’s Dirty Water: What Went Wrong?[/caption]

He said key signs to look out for are “debris”, “floaters” and “an exceptional stink”.

Once surrounded by dirty water swimmers should “get yourself out” and “keep your mouth shut”, he said.

Mr Davies appeared on ITV Tonight’s Britain’s Dirty Water: What Went Wrong?

He added: “If you are actually out there when a sewage spill goes out, you’ll first notice debris, you’ll notice floaters.

“And then there’ll be an exceptional stink. And you know, you suddenly realise that you’re in the middle of a sea of sewage.

“It’s disgusting and you’re also concerned for your health.” 

Local water firm Southern Water, which serves 700 miles of coastline, discharged sewage into rivers and seas for more than 146,000 hours last year.

Stuart added: “Can you see if there’s a slick on the water? Generally if it’s brown, it’s gonna be algae. If it’s grey, it’s probably sewage. And then does it smell? You can smell sewage.

“Any of those scenarios don’t go in or get yourself out. And it’s also a good idea to keep your mouth shut.” 

A total of 91 out of 420 bathing beaches warned the public not to go in the sea on September 8, 2022, according to an investigation for ITV’s Tonight programme.

The warnings came because water containing a mix of sewage and rainwater was pumped out due to heavy rains overwhelming drainage.

Southern Water told Tonight the last stormwater release in Brighton was in 2015, and that there were no releases in 2022 which impacted bathing water quality. 

It adds that it has significantly cut down storm overflow activity across the region.

It comes after an urgent warning was issued for swimmers as they’re told to stay out of the water at a popular tourist beach.

ITVThe warnings came because water containing a mix of sewage and rainwater was pumped out due to heavy rains overwhelming drainage[/caption]