Influencer’s risky mistake in Cape Town could have serious health consequences

South African influencer Michelle Sky Hayward’s playful video quickly turns into a health warning after she unknowingly immerses herself in sewage water. Experts caution about the dangers of contamination.

The South African influencer Michelle Sky Hayward has shared a video that’s been circulating widely on social media. In the clip, she gleefully immerses herself in a sea of white foam near Cape Town, commenting with excitement:

“I’m having so much fun, I don’t even feel the cold.”

A carefree moment, but one that was hiding something more unsettling. The young woman realized this when users began commenting on her video, saying things like:

“I hope she knows that foam is coming from a nearby drainpipe.”

And to think, in the video, Michelle even takes a sip of the water. Unaware of what was going on, she humorously responds:

“It’s salty.”

From relaxation to panic in a few frames

The subsequent videos take a sharp turn. Michelle now appears shocked, her expression bewildered. As comments flood the screen, they read: “That’s sewage water!” “That foam is made of feces,” “Someone tell her that’s poop water. SEWAGE WATER!!”

With wide eyes and her hand over her mouth, the influencer draws closer to the camera, visibly shaken. The post carries an equally telling caption:

“I’m afraid I made a huge mistake.”

Health risks involved

The video has sparked a divide on the internet, with some laughing it off and others expressing concern. But beyond the jokes, there’s a serious issue: the lack of environmental oversight. Leaving the comments aside, what’s clear is that Michelle found herself in a situation that was not only unpleasant but also potentially hazardous—something that certainly shouldn’t be flaunted on social media, and definitely not in this manner.

From a medical standpoint, contact with contaminated water can pose several health risks, such as gastrointestinal infections, skin issues, conjunctivitis, and even viral diseases. If that foam was indeed sewage, even a tiny accidental ingestion of the water exposes Michelle to harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Source: Michelle Sky Hayward