UK beach at West Sussex lake being closed as 'people fallen ill after entering water'

A paddling beach at a West Sussex lake is being closed following reports online that multiple people have fallen ill after entering its waters. According to reports, a "number of individuals have experienced illness, potentially as a result of entering the water at the paddling beach at Southwater Country Park".

Horsham District Council told the BBC it was aware of this, but had not received any official notifications from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) or groups that used the lake regularly. The UKHSA says it has been "in touch with Horsham District Council to see if they can help establish what the source of the infection is".

The local authority subsequently closed the beach while it monitored the situation.

It told the outlet: "We will release further information if the situation changes. Please do not climb the fence or attempt to enter the water at this time."

Horsham District councillor Alexander Jeffery added that the exact cause of the illnesses is not yet known, and urged anyone experiencing symptoms after entering the water to contact him directly.

He wrote on Facebook: "I understand this will be concerning for many residents and families. I will continue to press for answers".

The lake at Southwater Country Park is "not a bathing water so is not regularly tested for bacteria", per the Environment Agency, which adds, "There are more than 450 sites across the country where regular testing is carried out".