Monday 31st August 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
Bridlington’s bank holiday weekend has been overshadowed by a series of sewage pollution alerts issued along the coast — all within a 24‑hour period and all linked to Yorkshire Water’s infrastructure.
A “Do Not Swim” warning was issued after sewage was spotted drifting in the water off the Bridlington coastline. A local resident, who swims regularly, said he entered the sea for his usual morning dip before noticing debris floating on the surface. On closer inspection, he believed it to be human waste.
He said lifeguards initially told him the sea was safe based on Environment Agency readings, but he was later asked to leave after updated water‑quality information arrived. He praised RNLI staff for doing their best to warn beachgoers, but criticised the lack of clear signage, saying many visitors would have no idea a sewage alert was in place.
Within hours, Bridlington South Beach and Flamborough South Landing were also placed under sewage pollution alerts, prompting frustration from residents, businesses and holidaymakers.
Yorkshire Water said it was aware of the pollution risk forecasts and claimed recent rainfall had left the sewer network at capacity. The company said it understood “the strength of feeling around discharge to coastal areas” and insisted it was investing heavily to reduce the number of spills.
But locals say this is not simply a case of heavy rain — and not an isolated incident.
“This is a broken system that keeps dumping sewage into the sea while families, kids and tourists try to enjoy the coast,” said one resident. “How many more beaches have to be polluted before they actually fix it?”
The swimmer who witnessed the debris said he was concerned about public health, tourism and the risk to vulnerable people, children and dogs. “Beaches like this are being ruined by ongoing pollution,” he said.
Yorkshire Water maintains that water quality can be affected by multiple factors, but residents say repeated sewage alerts — especially on peak holiday weekends — are unacceptable and damaging to Bridlington’s reputation.
