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.
Viking Bay bathing water quality can be affected by surface water drainage from a short outfall just north of Broadstairs Harbour. During or after periods of heavy rainfall run off from agricultural land, urban areas, and occasional discharges from storm overflows can increase the risk of reduced water quality.