Popular London outdoor swimming spot sees 1,188% increase in bacteria
The hidden health danger of London’s outdoor swimming spots
- E. coli levels at London's Hyde Park Serpentine Lido surged by 1,188.8 per cent between 2023 and 2024, raising concerns about the safety of wild swimming.
- Hampstead Heath Mixed Ponds also saw a 230 per cent increase in E.coli during the same period, which can cause life-threatening infections and severe food poisoning.
- Despite the increase, the Serpentine Lido received a 'sufficient' rating from the Environment Agency, meeting minimum standards for bathing water.
- Experts advocate for more comprehensive water testing, including viruses, to ensure public safety.
- The increased popularity of wild swimming since the pandemic has highlighted concerns about water quality and the need for stricter monitoring.