London’s first official bathing area hit by toxic algae outbreak

London ’s first official bathing spot has been hit by a toxic algal bloom, as swimmers have been warned to avoid the river .

The Ham and Kingston site on the Thames became a bathing spot as recently as May this year.

However, the Environment Agency (EA) issued a formal notice on Tuesday cautioning against swimming, warning: “Bathing is not advised, due to pollution from harmful algae .”

Staff from the regulator have taken samples of the water since May, checking for harmful bacteria and to establish the water quality.

Marlene Lawrence, who founded local swimming group Teddington Bluetits said swam in the river before the warning notice was issued.

“Instantly on Sunday night I came out in a really bad rash, itchy spots, and that’s not like me. I can only attribute it to the algae in the river,” she told The Times.

The semi-retired swimmer, who helped secure the site as a bathing spot, first noticed signs of algae last week.

She believes the consecutive record-breaking heatwaves are behind the water pollution.

According to the EA, during an algal bloom, the water becomes less clear and may become blue-green or greenish-brown.

Scums can form during calm weather when several bloom-forming species rise to the surface. This can look like paint, mousse or small clumps.

Cyanobacteria or ‘blue-green algae’, a type of blooming algae, can produce toxins. These toxins can kill wild animals, livestock and pets. They can also harm people, producing rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We have identified blue-green algae on the lower River Thames including the Ham and Kingston designated bathing water.

“We are working with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, who have put signage in this location to warn people that it is not safe to swim.

“An advice against bathing notice has been activated on the Swiminfo website.”