RIVER SWIMMING SITE GETS GREEN LIGHT
Thirteen new bathing sites including the first-ever on the River Thames near Teddington have now officially received designated status as the bathing water season begins, it was announced tonight.
The new sites take the total to over 460 bathing waters, covering nearly every coastal county in England as well as several more inland swimming spots.
They will be rigorously and regularly tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season meaning swimmers are better informed about water quality, and can swim with greater confidence.
The designations follow a public consultation with each site receiving overwhelming public support, with 90% of responders in favour of designation and a record number endorsing the Ham & Kingston site.
The Government’s commitment to improving water quality and expanding monitoring is delivering clear results for swimmers and the environment, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.
Water Minister, Emma Hardy said: “The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.
”Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.”
The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels – working with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations. .
Sites also play a vital role in connecting people with nature – bringing important social and health benefits and helping towns prosper through increased tourism, delivering on the government’s wider commitment to empower communities to shape how their local environment is protected and enjoyed.
These new designations come alongside recent changes to the bathing water regulations that will modernise the system, helping to ensure it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches.
Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming, with 87% rated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms will allow us to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to better reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.
This announcement is in line with the upcoming Clean Water Bill, announced this week in the King’s Speech, which will continue momentum on once‑in‑a‑generation reforms to end weak oversight, stop water companies marking their own homework and restore public trust.
Marlene Lawrence, Leader and Founder of the Teddington Bluetits chill swimmers, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved Bathing Water status for the Thames at Ham and Kingston. The river is widely used by all ages to swim, row, paddle and sail, and it is wonderful to have such a natural resource to use to enhance our health and mental well-being.”
“With water testing throughout the bathing water season, I really want to encourage more people to enjoy leisure time in and on the Thames here.”
Other designated sites:
Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).
The confirmed sites include:
- Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals
- Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.
- Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.
- Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
- East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.
- Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows
- River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town
- River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps
- Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney
- River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, London’s first river bathing site on the Thames
- New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary
- River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports