Emergency work is taking place to fix a burst sewer pipe said to be causing a “potentially dangerous leak” into the sea at a popular bathing spot.
Swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders have been advised not to enter the water with warning signs put up along Princes Parade in Seabrook, near Hythe.
Southern Water says it is currently carrying out water quality testing at both Seabrook Stream and nearby Seabrook Beach
It comes as temperatures soar further today, with the Met Office issuing a red alert warning for extreme heat across Kent, and temperatures in the Hythe area forecast to peak at 33C today.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) says the advice follows a burst sewage pipe at the Seabrook pumping station, which might have caused material to spill into a nearby stream, and is a “precautionary measure to keep the public safe”.
Testing is due to take place alongside repairs to the pipe throughout the day.
Cllr Gary Fuller (Lib Dem), who represents Sandgate at FHDC, told KentOnline he received an email about the incident at 8am.
“We were told the Environment Agency and relevant authorities were investigating whether or not any sewage had got where it shouldn’t,” he said.
“It sounds like there was a leak yesterday afternoon that stopped at 8.45pm and there’s currently mitigation in place until they can complete a repair.
The advice is due to a burst sewage pipe into the Seabrook Stream
“After a potentially dangerous leak into the Seabrook Stream, the council is advising against swimming off this section of the beach today.”
The signs have been placed between the entrances to Sea Point car park and Battery Point car park and environmental officers have been at the scene taking water samples.
As part of the response, Southern Water initially managed sewage flows using tankers but has now redirected sewage through an alternative sewer while repairs are carried out.
The company, which has apologised for any disruption caused, says teams will continue carrying out water quality testing at both Seabrook Stream and nearby Seabrook Beach to monitor any environmental impact.
An FHDC spokesperson added: “Due to a burst sewage pipe in the area it is advised not to swim at Seabrook beach today (Friday, June 26).
“This is a precautionary measure to keep the public safe. Environment Agency and council officers are on site assessing the impact of the discharge.
Swimmers are being advised not to enter the water in Seabrook, near HytheRebecca Owen says it is disappointing people are not allowed to swim in hot weather
“Signage has been put in place advising beachgoers of the incident. Further updates will be provided throughout the day.
“Additionally, due to feeds connecting the outfall and the Royal Military Canal – we advise users of the Seabrook end of the canal (like paddlers) to avoid entering the water today.”
When KentOnline visited the area this morning, kayakers and bathers were seen in the water, with officers advising others in swimming costumes of the warning that had just been introduced.
Regular Hythe sea swimmer Rebecca Owen says it is disappointing that people are being urged to stay out of the water during the hot weather.
Cllr Gary Fuller says he received an email about the incident at 8am this morning
“It’s ironic as the beach nearby [Sandgate] has just been designated as a bathing water site,” she told KentOnline.
“They’ll put signs up at the Seabrook end, but you wouldn’t want to swim in Hythe now either.
“We knew it was going to be bad because of the thunderstorms but it’s ironic that they’re pumping the water out but I’ve just been put on a hosepipe ban.
“I’ve not been letting my kids go down on the beach, all they have to do is put their hand in and it could cause all sorts of problems.”
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Following a report of a ‘burst raising main’ near Folkstone that has affected the bathing water at Seabrook, we have issued advice against bathing at that beach, via the Swimfo website.
“We encourage the public to check our Swimfo website for the latest information and pollution warnings before swimming at any bathing water.
“We are working with Folkestone and Hythe District Council as well as investigating the cause of the burst main. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action if appropriate”.
“If anyone suspects pollution, please report it to us at our National Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60”.