Two children hospitalised after swimming in polluted UK harbour

Ivy Foster, three, and Keeva Hollow, eight, caught serious bacterial infections while swimming in Christchurch Harbour. Locals call it the toilet bowl of Bournemouth.

Why it mattersThe infections show risks at popular swimming spots. Water pollution can seriously harm children, even at beaches families use regularly.

AustraliaAustralians planning beach trips to the UK should be aware of local water quality warnings and the risk of serious infection from swimming in polluted harbours.

Corroborated bythenightly.com.au

✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 d ago

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Laboratory worker in RMIT coat holds labeled rainwater sample bottle

✓ ThenightlyScience & Systems

PFAS 'forever chemicals' found in Australian rainwater for first time

RMIT researchers detected eight PFAS compounds in Melbourne rainwater samples at levels well below health guidelines.

Why it mattersUnderstanding how PFAS spreads through air and rain helps regulators decide which uses to restrict. It also helps communities protect their water sources.