A mother from Neath has reported that her 13-year-old son became ill after swimming at Aberdulais Waterfalls, also known as Tonna Falls, a popular beauty spot near Tonna. Sarah Gladwin claims that her son and a group of seven other children experienced vomiting and diarrhoea days after visiting the site on June 25.
Illness After Swimming
According to Sarah, the children spent around three hours swimming in the River Neath at the falls. Her son developed severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea three days later, on June 28. The illness lasted approximately 24 hours. Sarah sought medical advice and later reported the incident to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
After sharing her story on Facebook, Sarah says she received numerous messages from other parents reporting similar illnesses in their children. One child required A&E treatment, and another was admitted to Morriston Hospital for intravenous fluids due to dehydration.
Investigation Underway
An NRW spokesperson confirmed they received reports of children becoming unwell after playing in the River Neath near Tonna. They stated they are not aware of any recent pollution incidents but are making enquiries and liaising with Neath Port Talbot Council to better understand the situation.
The spokesperson advised caution: “Rivers and other natural water bodies can contain bacteria and other contaminants from a range of sources, which are not always visible. In Wales, designated bathing waters are monitored during the bathing season, with results published to help people make informed decisions.”
Community Concerns
Sarah emphasised that while she cannot confirm the cause of the illnesses, the number of similar reports from other families prompted her to share the information. The falls are a well-known local destination, especially in summer, and she hopes the incident raises awareness about potential risks.
