Liz Lynne: EU votes for safer swimming

12.00.00am GMT Thu 19th Jan 2006

The West Midlands' holidaymakers will soon be swimming more safely thanks to a new European directive, local Lib Dem MEP Liz Lynne said today.

The European Parliament has approved new EU laws on bathing water quality to improve safety standards at beaches across Europe.

Liz Lynne, who voted for the agreement, said:

"These measures really will make it safer to go back in the water. They are likely to substantially reduce health problems for swimmers, whether swimming in Weston-Super-Mare, Blackpool, Brighton or on holiday abroad."

"The risk of falling ill, mainly from digestive or respiratory illnesses, is estimated to fall from 12% to 8% in 2015."

The new directive will improve the information on water quality available to the public. Water quality information posted online is currently about a year out of date, but under the new directive will be updated almost instantaneously, and information will also be posted at the bathing sites themselves.

The new directive, which was last revised in 1976, will also reduce bureaucracy.

"Not only will this measure improve standards, it will also cut red tape," said Liz Lynne.

"Instead of assessing water quality using 19 separate parameters, local authorities will now be able to focus on the two parameters most relevant to public health."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The European Parliament passed the new directive on Wednesday with 584 votes in favour and 11 against (56 abstentions). It will come into force in 2008. For more information go to: http://www.europarl.eu.int/news/public/story_page/066-4416-16-1-3-911-20060118STO04413-2006-16-01-2006/default_en.htm