Paddling Beach Closed After Reports Of Illness At Southwater Country Park

The paddling beach at Southwater Country Park has been temporarily closed after reports that a number of people became unwell after entering the lake.

Horsham District Council said it is aware of reports circulating online suggesting several individuals have experienced illness after using the paddling beach.

However, the council says it has not received any official notifications from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) or from groups that regularly use the lake.

As a precaution, the paddling beach has been closed while the situation is monitored.

A spokesperson said further updates will be provided if the situation changes.

The reports come during a spell of hot weather which has seen large numbers of people head to rivers, lakes and beaches across Sussex and the wider South East.

Horsham District councillor Alexander Jeffery said the exact cause of the reported illnesses has not yet been established.

He said he understood the reports would be concerning for local residents and families and pledged to continue seeking answers.

Councillor Jeffery has also urged anyone who became unwell after entering the water at Southwater Country Park to contact him directly.

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has confirmed that the lake is not designated as an official bathing water site and is therefore not routinely tested for bacteria.

The agency says more than 450 designated bathing water sites across the country are regularly monitored for water quality.