Surfers get behind the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is currently one of the most significant threats to public health, which led President Obama to launch a five-year action plan to reduce antibiotic use.

Some researchers are taking an unexpected approach to the issue, specifically how marine pollution effects our health. Surfers were recruited as part of a project called “Beach Bums,” created by British scientists from University of Exeter, which teamed up with the organization Surfers Against Sewage.

Seawater has been shown to contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria and affects the microbes that colonize our guts. Volunteer surfers will provide rectal swabs that will then be compared to others from people who do not spend time in the water.

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By Dr. Michael Blackman, Chief Medical Officer at Greenway Health

It truly is a look at beach bums.

Anne Leonard, the lead researcher, said in a statement that surfers consume 10 times as much seawater than people who just swim in the ocean. For that reason, the research team is looking for 150 surfers and bodyboarders who are healthy and spend at least three times each month being active in the water. They also want them to recruit a person who doesn’t surf to act as a comparison.

Andy Cummins, campaigns director at Surfers Against Sewage, said in a statement, according to IflScience:

“Whilst water quality has improved dramatically in the last 20 years, coastal waters can still be contaminated by sewage from both animals and humans, introducing billions of potentially harmful bacteria into the ocean environment. We want to build a clearer picture of the risks people face when entering the water, so we can ensure our seas are safe for everyone to enjoy.”