People warned to 'stay out of the sea' at four North Wales beaches

North Wales Live

25-06-2025

People have been warned not to go into the sea at four North Wales beaches. It comes after they were reported to have had sewage discharged into them in the last 48 hours.
Leading marine conservationists Surfers Against Sewage regularly warn people of sewage discharges at popular spots. Its Safer Seas and Rivers Service monitors the water quality at 600 'surf and swim spots' across the UK, and has listed nine locations in Wales that have had sewage discharged in the last 48 hours , reports WalesOnline.
The four North Wales beaches included in the warning are:
Llandudno West Shore
The charity stated: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. Situated on the north Wales coastline, below the Great Orme, the bay faces west over Conwy Sands.
"The beach is long and sandy with a stony pebble foreshore, backed by a concrete promenade. It is potentially impacted by a number of storm and emergency overflows, both along the immediate foreshore and within the main freshwater from the Conwy [sic]. This location is covered by Pollution Risk Forecasting."
Llanfairfechan
The charity stated: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
"Llanfairfechan is situated on the North Wales coastline, 9.5 kilometres to the east of Bangor.
"It is a long sand and pebble beach, with a concrete promenade running the length of its rear. Behind the promenade are shops, cafes, houses and the main North Wales railway line.
"The coastal waters are designated under the Menai Strait and Conwy Special Area of Conservation, in addition to the Traeth Lafan Special Protection Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest."
Colwyn Bay
The charity stated: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. The bay is situated on the North Wales coastline, to the east of Rhos Point, approximately 10 kilometres from the Great Orme headland.
"The beach is long and sandy, with a concrete promenade to the rear. The water quality sample point is located in front of the Cayley Promenade opposite the lifebuoy and the white tower."
Colwyn Bay Porth Eirias
The charity stated: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours. The bay is situated on the north Wales coastline, to the east of Rhos Point, approximately 10 kilometres from the Great Orme headland.
"The beach is long and sandy, with a concrete promenade to the rear. The sample point is located to the left/west of the building at Porth Eirias carpark and down the beach. The sample is taken 250 meter to the left of the stones - half way between Porth Eirias Centre and the pier." Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Five beaches in other parts of Wales have also been named. They are:
Swansea Bay
The charity stated: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
"Swansea Bay is a 9km stretch of sand, pebble and mud flats that stretches from Mumbles Head to the River Tawe.
"It slopes gently and at low tide the waters edge is a long way from the beach front. Numerous sewer overflows discharge into the sea and waterways here including several that discharge into the River Tawe."
Bracelet Bay
The charity stated: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
"This is a small cove on the south Gower coast, west of Mumbles village.
"The gently sloping beach is a mixture of sand and rocks, backed by a bank of pebbles and limestone cliffs.
"Mumbles Sewage Pumping Station has an emergency and sewer overflow approximately 1.3 kilometres from the water quality sample point, which can discharge off Mumbles Head, but only at certain times of an ebbing tide."
Limeslade Bay
The charity stated: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
"Limeslade is a small and tidal cove, found on the south east of the Gower peninsular. On a high tide the beach is almost non-existent and pebbly, but on a low tide, the sand is exposed, along with numerous rock pools.
"Limeslade Pumping Station has an emergency overflow, which can discharge to the west of the beach."
Langland Bay
The charity says: "Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.
"Langland is a wide and sandy bay with pebbles and rocks on either side. It is backed by a promenade with cafes, beach huts, limestone cliffs, and a golf course.
"Langland Pumping Station has an overflow, which can discharge to a point just above mean low water."
Ogmore By Sea
The charity has stated: " Bathing not advised due to Poor annual classification.
"A popular sand and pebble beach at the mouth of the River Ogmore.
"The 2-mile-long beach is popular with families, surfers and canoeists. Although the only facilities on the beach are a surf club and toilets, there are good pubs within half a mile.
"Above Dunraven Bay, you'll have one of the best views along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. In 2023, the beach was classified as poor, so bathing is not advised."