A mammoth swimming challenge in aid of charity had to be cancelled after sewage was pumped into the sea.

The Lyme Splash Sea Swim Challenge was due to take place from the resort's Sandy Beach on Sunday, September 8.

However following heavy rain and a discharge of wastewater from a storm overflow, the event was called off on the day before for health and safety reasons.

The event could not be rearranged for later this year due to the harbour’s timetable, and because 50 volunteers are needed to see the event run smoothly.

Organiser Karen Durham-Diggins, said: “We obviously looked at the weather before when we were getting nearer to the swim. It kept changing and saying there would be an easterly wind which would be a problem when swimming to Charmouth.

Sewage at the Lyme Regis beachSewage at the Lyme Regis beach (Image: Lyme Splash)

“It was apparent that it was going to rain but this kept changing, and we assumed South West Water (SWW) would want to discharge sewage into the sea, which is what they did.

“I contacted the SWW CEO on Friday ahead of the weather forecast on Saturday and asked them not to discharge because you need to wait 24 hours for the tide to clear.

“Our fears were realised on Saturday, and we had to make a decision for people’s health and safety as the discharge would have seen swimmers in the direct path of the sewage.

“It is bitterly disappointing for the swimmers, and heart-breaking as the swim conditions on Sunday were perfect. It’s infuriating, everyone is really upset.”

Entry to the event was £45, which included entry, swim hat, scan tag and a Lyme Splash badge for completion of the swim, as well as refreshments.

Organisers said refunds will not be issued - a notice had been posted on the website stating this prior to the event - although the cost of t-shirts purchased for the event will be fully refunded, with the raffle still due to go ahead.

Ms Durham-Diggins said: “We can’t issue refunds as we support the charities up front. Many people are so kind, they love the event and realise hard work that we do and have been so supportive.”

The 3.15km swim was due to start at Lyme Regis and finish in Charmouth. The event was to raise money for charities, and this year, was Ghost Fishing UK, Powder Monkeys, BSharp and Plastic Free Lyme Regis. The event was first organised in 2016, and was only cancelled during Covid. 

A spokesperson for the River Lim Action Group said: "It's so disappointing that a major event like this had to be cancelled because of concerns about water quality.

"Discharges of untreated sewage started from the Uplyme Sewage Treatment Works on Saturday evening and there were 15 on Sunday, the day planned for the event itself. Now we can watch the live monitors we can get a better picture of what's going on.

"South West Water has planned a major improvement plan for the sewage treatment works and huge reductions of discharges. We urge them to progress the work urgently to avoid this sort of impact on so many people".

South West Water has been approached for comment.