Planning on a sea swim in the next few days?

It’s probably best to avoid Rosscarbery Lagoon and the Warren beach for now.

Cork County Council has issued a Prior Warning Notice for both locations, which might have increased levels of bacteria and be unsafe for bathing following this week’s heavy rain and flooding.

While most bathers are unlikely to experience any illness, the increased bacteria levels could be dangerous if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

“This notice has been placed as a result of heavy rain and possible impact from floodwaters. Testing will take place on Monday, and results will be available Wednesday,” they said in a statement.

A Prior Warning Notice has been placed at Rosscarbery Lagoon & the Warren beach today. This notice has been placed as a result of heavy rain & possible impact from floodwaters. Testing will take place on Monday, & results will be available Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/WTdIM4zj0h

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) August 14, 2020

If you do swim in these spots, the advice is to avoid swallowing water and to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food afterwards.

The County Council advises that the warning will remain active at Rosscarbery Lagoon and the Warren beach until August 19th at the earliest.