Winter surfers are in for a treat with new plans to crack down on pollution at official water bathing spots, providing year-round protection. The government has launched a consultation to expand the number of protected sites in England and Wales to include areas popular for surfing, in addition to the existing 550 official water bathing sites.
Currently, these sites are only safeguarded during the summer months, leaving concerns about pollution at other times of the year. Following recent cases of sewage being dumped into waterways across the country, including iconic sites like Lake Windermere, the water industry has faced scrutiny.
Water minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of reforming the current system to benefit all those who enjoy our bathing waters. The proposed changes aim to offer a more flexible approach to monitoring and designation, allowing for an extended bathing season beyond May to September. This will cater to the needs of cold water swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, including paddle boarders and surfers.
The consultation invites input from the public, community groups, environmental organizations, farmers, businesses, and local authorities to ensure a comprehensive review of bathing water regulations. Key changes include introducing multiple testing points at bathing water sites, expanding the definition of ‘bathers’ to include participants in various water sports, and considering water quality and public safety in the assessment of new bathing waters.
Ben Seal, head of access and Environment at Paddle UK, representing the Clean Water Sports Alliance, highlighted the importance of access to clean and healthy blue spaces for the wellbeing of millions of people. The Alliance welcomes the consultation on bathing water rules and calls on recreational users to participate in the process to voice their opinions.
The proposed reforms aim to address concerns about water pollution, safeguard public health, and promote the enjoyment of water sports in a clean and safe environment. By modernizing bathing water regulations, the government seeks to enhance the experience of water enthusiasts and protect the natural beauty of our waters for generations to come.
