13 new bathing sites announced by the Government

Swim England has written to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in support of more stretches of water being officially classified as bathing waters.

The department is currently consulting on granting official bathing water status to the following locations:

• 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, which could become 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

Swim England has written in full support of all applications.

The national governing body is pushing for hundreds of new bathing waters as such a designation is important to help send a clear message that our rivers, lakes and waters are there for people to enjoy and are a legitimate place for people to be swimming.

Additionally, the designation of bathing water status can also act as a catalyst for seeing improvements to water quality through increased testing and a greater focus on the quality of the water at bathing water locations.

If you would like to add your voice in support of the sites currently under consideration for bathing water status before the consultation closes on 23 March, you can email [email protected].

Swim England has provided a template submission which is available by clicking here.

On announcing the potential sites, Water Minister Emma Hardy said “communities across the country could soon benefit from thirteen new designated bathing spots, giving local people greater confidence to enjoy the rivers and beaches they cherish.”

Andy Salmon, CEO of Swim England, said “We welcome the announcement of thirteen new potential bathing sites. It is encouraging to see the government recognising the importance of recreational use of our blue spaces and increased testing allows swimmers, paddlers and everyone who enjoys these places to make more informed decisions.”