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Experts say at least 54 beaches have been hit and you should take care not to come into contact

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Experts have today issued a warning over the health risks of plastic waste on UK beaches thanks to recent storms. 54 beaches are believed to be affected by sewage pollution in recent weeks, according to Rentokil Specialist Hygiene, which regularly conducts beach and river course remediation for water companies.

Rentokil says the plastic waste carried out of drains and sewers onto beaches by the recent heavy rainfall will be acting as a breeding ground for bacteria. To ensure their safety, beachgoers are advised to avoid touching such waste and, if contact does occur, to thoroughly wash hands and apply anti-bacterial gel rather than rinsing in the sea.

About 11 billion single-use wet wipes are used each year in the UK and they are the third most common type of litter found on beaches. An estimated seven million wet wipes, 2.5 million tampons and 1.5 million sanitary pads are flushed down lavatories every day in the UK. Wet wipes can harbour bacteria for extended periods and in high concentrations, and the accumulation of wet wipes and plastic waste not only affects the aesthetic appeal of beaches but also poses a potential threat to the wellbeing of beachgoers and wildlife.

Jamie Woodall, Technical and Innovation Manager at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene said: “By the end of this week the majority of schools will be on their summer break and many of us will be heading to the beach, so it is important we all know how to stay safe.

“Families need to pay close attention to bathing water quality, even if they’re only paddling or building sandcastles on the beach. Sadly plastic waste is common in our sewer systems and it is regularly washed out by stormwater discharges. While many of us may assume beach litter will have been washed clean by the sea, the reality is that such waste can be contaminated with pathogens and should be treated with caution.”

Rentokil Specialist Hygiene is working with water companies to develop effective strategies for tackling plastic waste and sewage pollution.