Bathing Warning Issued for Seven Thanet Beaches After Wastewater Discharge

Southern Water confirms storm wastewater discharge following heavy rain, leading to bathing restrictions at popular coastal spots.

Generic image of a beach with warning signs.
AI

Generic image of a beach with warning signs.

Advice against bathing or entering the sea is in place today, Monday 19 October 2026, at seven of the district’s beaches in Kent, following a confirmed discharge of storm wastewater by Southern Water.

Signs are being placed at entrances to the affected beaches, stretching from Western Undercliff in Ramsgate to Stone Bay in Broadstairs.
This action follows a confirmed discharge of storm wastewater by Southern Water on Sunday 18 October, which occurred after heavy rainfall. Storm wastewater is a combination of sewage and surface water.
The affected beaches include: Stone Bay, Viking Bay, Louisa Bay, Dumpton Gap, Ramsgate East Cliff, Ramsgate Main Sands, and Western Undercliff.
Further information regarding the situation is available on Southern Water’s Rivers and Seas Watch website.
Based on information from the official source: Thanet District Council (19/10/2026)