A dedicated sea swimmer says falling water quality at one of Kent's most popular beaches has left him with "nasty" eye and ear infections.

Retired barrister Ian Callaway, 62, takes a dip off Deal every morning but no longer puts his head underwater as he needs to be "extra careful".

It comes as the beach has been downgraded from ‘excellent’ to ‘sufficient’ - despite Southern Water spending millions on improving the area.

Mr Callaway, who says he does his best not to swallow any water, is now calling on authorities to take urgent action.

“Last year I got a painful eye infection after going for a swim and a couple of years before that I got the ear infection,” he said.

“I had never had anything like this before so I am certain it was because of the water.

“I used to dive under the water immediately but since I had the infections I've stopped doing that.

“Both cases had to be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. It's disgraceful."

Deal's current water quality rating of 'sufficient' means it meets the minimum standard set by the Environment Agency (EA).

But residents fear the level could continue to drop as the town was previously rated as ‘excellent’ in 2019, before being downgraded to ‘good’ two years later.

There are concerns the beach could soon be hit by an official do-not-swim warning - something already seen in St Mary's Bay and Littlestone on Romney Marsh.

Mr Callaway, who has lived in the town for 14 years, says he would still swim in the sea even if the guidance is introduced, but says he is concerned about the wider impact it would have on Deal.

“I'm aware that people in other areas have been quite ill with gastric problems as a result of swallowing water with bacteria in it,” he said.

“I’ve always made an effort to not swallow any of the stuff.

“A do-not-swim warning would not put me off but I would have to be extra careful. I always shower straight afterwards.

“We shouldn't be in a situation where people have to think twice about going in the sea. It is incredibly damaging for any coastline where this is the case.”

The concerns come seven years after Southern Water announced Deal would enjoy a £3.9m investment as part of its ‘Magnificent Seven’ scheme.

Two other beaches in Kent - Leysdown and Minster Leas on Isle of Sheppey - were also included in the project, and are currently rated as ‘good’ and ‘excellent’.

Southern Water said in 2017 how it chose the beach around Deal Castle for its "groundbreaking" project following a "year-long investigation into the sources of pollution".

But the EA, the main body responsible for monitoring and regulating bathing water quality in the UK, says “faecal bacteria” was found in the sea during checks last year.

Bosses believe the “wet summer” in 2023 could have played a part in reducing the quality of the water.

Despite this, figures collected by the authority show how the levels of bacterium in Deal are still significantly lower than in St Mary’s Bay and Littlestone.

A spokesman said: “Suspected pollution can come from a variety of sources.

“Deal Castle beach was rated as sufficient in 2023 due to a particularly wet summer washing where pollutants, including faecal bacteria, will have been washed off farms and roads into the sea.

“Between May and September, the EA takes more than 7,000 water samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.

“The samples are tested in our labs and the results are uploaded onto the Swimfo website, to help the public make informed decisions about where to swim.

“On Swimfo, the public can also access pollution risk forecasts, updated daily to indicate any expected temporary reduction in water quality due to rain, wind, and high tides.

“Last year, 96% of bathing waters in England were rated sufficient, good or excellent, and 90% good or excellent.

“Anyone who suspects pollution in our seas and rivers can contact our 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 807060.”

In a statement issued earlier this month, Southern Water said “no single cause” has been identified for the “disappointing decline” in Deal.

“Storm overflows are not prevalent along this stretch of coastline,” it said.

“We are continuing to work with all parties to examine the possible contribution of various factors, including road, industrial and agricultural run-off, wildlife, and other beach and water users – and we have carried out our own checks on local pipes and sites, and possible illegally connected private wastewater pipes.

“We are committed to playing our part to help restore Deal’s water quality as soon as possible.”

Beaches either side of Deal - St Margaret's Bay and Sandwich Bay - both currently enjoy better water quality levels.

St Margaret’s Bay, closer to Dover, has been rated as ‘excellent’, while Sandwich Bay is currently ‘good’.

Labour-led Dover District Council said it is “disappointed” water quality has dropped in Deal, and will “continue to liaise with Southern Water”.