Wild swimmers are being urged to nominate new sites for water quality checks in the latest Stormont bathing waters review.
The Northern Ireland bathing season currently runs from June 1 to September 15 each year with 26 spots tested for their safety.
But the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is required to do a full review of bathing waters, which include seas, lakes and rivers, every six years.
Consultation on the issue will also examine whether the bathing period should be extended following the rise in popularity of year-round open water dips.
Minister Edwin Poots said: “I am very aware of the surge in interest in wild water swimming across Northern Ireland and work is now underway on a full review of Bathing Waters in 2022/23 which will seek views on the current management of Bathing Waters, identification of new sites and extending the length of the bathing season.
“To assist the review, I am launching this public consultation, and I look forward to considering the views of all those with an interest.”
Currently Northern Ireland has 26 identified bathing waters, which are tested for pollutants under The Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (NI) 2008.
Access to the consultation is available at: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/daera/2022-bathing-waters-review/
Responses must be provided by 8 April 2022.
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