The Environment Agency has issued no-swim warnings at four Devon beaches – Teignmouth Town, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth and Seaton – following pollution concerns and a pollution incident.
No-bathing alerts were issued at these locations today (Monday, June 8). Pollution fears have prompted temporary guidance advising against bathing in areas of East Devon and South Devon, which are typically endorsed for swimming.
Worries regarding potential pollution have resulted in no-bathing guidance at Teignmouth Town, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth and Seaton. "Bathing is not advised today," the EA's Swimfo map indicates for each site.
The Budleigh Salterton, Teignmouth and Exmouth alerts recommend against bathing owing to a "pollution risk". Risk evaluations are determined by weather conditions, including rainfall, in accordance with the EA's map.
The no-bathing alert at Seaton, which became active at the same time, has been prompted by a "pollution incident". No additional information has been provided by the Environment Agency, reports Devon Live.
Typically, the water quality at Seaton is classified as excellent, determined by routine sampling, as is Exmouth. Both recently received national acknowledgement in the 2026 Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, which are administered by Keep Britain Tidy to recognise pristine stretches of coastline. Budleigh Salterton was awarded a Seaside Award this year rather than a Blue Flag owing to its bathing water classification being rated good rather than excellent.
Councillor Geoff Jung, who heads the environment portfolio at East Devon District Council, stated this "likely reflects a mix of factors including storm overflow discharges and agricultural pollution in the River Otter catchment".
Earlier today, the district council posted on Facebook: "Environment Agency - South and South West is currently advising against bathing at Seaton due to a pollution incident. There are pollution risk forecast warnings at Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth."
