Swimmer, 104, says 'sewage' stops him going in sea

A centenarian who puts his longevity down to daily swims in the sea has said he will probably never enter open water again because of pollution.

Bill Smith, from Cowes, is celebrating his 104th birthday and has been swimming off the beaches of the Isle of Wight for more than 50 years.

But in a film made for conservation charity the Blue Marine Foundation, he said reports of sewage in rivers and the sea had put him off and he will restrict himself to using swimming pools from now on.

The Environment Agency said all of the island's beaches had bathing waters rated as good or excellent, while Southern Water said it was committed to making further improvements.

The film featuring Mr Smith's comments is part of the charity's multi-million pound Solent Seascape Project to restore nature to the waters of the Solent.

"I look at the sea, how lovely it is, but regrettably I feel I won't be able to swim here again," Mr Smith said.

Explaining his concerns about pollution, he said: "That makes me more worried about swimming in the sea, it's worrying to think that pollution is there. The sea now is not what it used to be."

Mr Smith, who was born in Bedwas, south Wales, first started swimming aged three and has attributed his long life to swimming and exercise in general.

A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "While huge progress has been made in creating healthier rivers and seas here over the decades, we are committed to working together with all Island partners to go further – reflecting the myriad of factors which can impact water quality, including farming, industrial and road run-off."

Kate Donlon of the Environment Agency said: "All of the Isle of Wight's 15 bathing waters are classed from 'Good' to 'Excellent' and we test the waters regularly between May and end of September to give swimmers like Mr Smith confidence in their bathing water of choice."

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