Boxing Day swim on despite poor water quality

A charity Boxing Day swim on the Yorkshire coast will go ahead despite concerns about poor water quality, organisers have said.

Bridlington's South Beach has been given a poor water quality rating for the third year running.

The annual assessment carried out by the Environment Agency follows tests which were carried out between May and September.

Swim organiser Martin Jolly said he hoped people would still join him for a quick festive dip.

"We had the same problem last year with the water quality, but we do have a safety brief before we go in the water," he said.

"We don't swim miles - we just go up to our knees until we go numb and then come out.

"But, it's everybody's personal choice whether they go in," he added.

Mr Jolly said the event had previously attracted around 60 swimmers, along with scores of supporters.

"Hopefully, we will get a many as in previous years - the more the merrier."

Mr Jolly said as well as being fun, the event would also raise money for local Alzheimer's groups.

Registration will take place at Richie's Cafe Bar at about 10:30 GMT, with the swim taking place at around 11:00.

South Beach has been described as the jewel in the crown of Bridlington's tourism offer.

A recent investigation by the Environment Agency identified faecal matter from local seabird populations as a significant contributor to the poor water quality at the beach.

Yorkshire Water, which has sewage overflow pipes in the area, has also admitted it needs to "work harder" to reduce discharges into the sea.

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