This bathing water beach often has large accumulations of seaweed (macroalgae) and the bathing water can be affected by occasional blooms of phytoplankton (microscopic algae) which are not harmful, but can result in the water appearing discoloured or as foam forming on the water.
The risks to human health from contact, ingestion or inhalation with marine algae that currently occur in UK coastal waters are considered to be low. However, some individuals may be more sensitive and display some reactions.
A common marine algae found in UK coastal waters is Phaeocystis, which is often mistaken for sewage as it forms foam and a brown scum, but it is non-toxic.
Bathing water quality can be affected by storm overflows and surface water outfalls draining run off from surrounding areas, particularly after rainfall. Faeces from birds roosting on piers can affect water quality.
This bathing water is subject to short term pollution. The Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts based on rainfall and tidal patterns. A pollution risk warning is issued if heavy rainfall occurs to enable bathers to avoid periods when bathing water quality may be reduced. This may last between 1-3 days. In 2018 warnings were issued on 4 days.