Preliminary research into the impact of harmful organisms in bathing water suggests that regular sea swimmers leading a healthy life may have some protection.
University of Galway expert Prof Dearbháile Morris cautions that the indications are preliminary, and require more research.
However, as she explains in an interview for Wavelengths, those swimmers with a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet maybe better protected against colonisation by organisms that can “potentially cause harm”.
The current EU bathing water quality directive requires updating, and she also believes local authorities should be testing bathing water all year round – and with more extensive tests.
Sea swimmers - currently, local authorities are only obliged to test designated bathing waters – which does not cover every swimming area – from June 1st until September 15th
Currently, local authorities are only obliged to test designated bathing waters – which does not cover every swimming area – from June 1st until September 15th.
Prof Morris, who is professor of Antimicrobial Resistance and One Health at the University of Galway’s Ryan Institute, is leading a number of research projects related to bathing water quality.
Listen to the interview with Prof Morris below.
