The River Thames at Ham in south-west London has been designated as the first official bathing water area on the river in London, marking a significant milestone for wild swimming enthusiasts. Starting Friday, the site will be monitored for water quality as part of 13 new swimming areas across England.
Campaign Success
Marlene Lawrence, founder of the Teddington Bluetits, which boasts over 2,000 members, spearheaded the application alongside colleagues. "This is amazing for the river and for the many people who enjoy it," she said. "We want bathing water status to be a driver of keeping the River Thames clean."
New Designated Sites
Other locations gaining bathing water status include a tidal inlet off the River Yealm in south Devon, part of the River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, the River Dee at Sandy Lane in Chester, and a sea swimming area at Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland. Also designated are Pangbourne Meadow in Berkshire, which inspired The Wind in the Willows, and the River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire.
Government Response
Water minister Emma Hardy stated: "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."
Environmental Impact
Campaigners have fought for river bathing water status for six years under the EU-derived bathing water directive to drive cleanup efforts. Rivers face pollution from sewage discharge, forever chemicals, and agricultural runoff. The more rigorous testing required for bathing waters is expected to force water companies to reduce sewage pollution.
The Environment Agency will monitor water for faecal indicator organisms weekly throughout summer, publishing results online. The regulator evaluates pollution levels and works with communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality.
Infrastructure Improvements
In Ilkley, West Yorkshire, where the River Wharfe became the first river with bathing water status five years ago, Yorkshire Water is implementing over £85 million in infrastructure improvements to boost water quality.
Full List of New Bathing Sites
- Canvey Island foreshore, Essex
- East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset
- Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk
- Granville Parade Beach, Sandgate, Kent
- Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland
- New Brighton Beach (east), Merseyside
- Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon
- Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire
- Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury, Wiltshire
- River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire
- River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall
- River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire
- River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London
The bathing season runs until the end of September.
