England Adds 27 New Bathing Waters for 2024 Season
Get ready to dive in! England is set to splash into the 2024 bathing season with 27 brand-new designated bathing water sites. This boost takes the total number to a record-breaking 451 – the highest ever across the country. The season runs from 15 May to 30 September, giving swimmers and water lovers plenty of spots to enjoy.
New Spots Span Coastlines and Rivers Nationwide
The fresh batch includes a dozen river sites scattered across England. From Church Cliff Beach in Dorset to Derwent Water in Cumbria, and the River Dart in Devon to the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, these popular swimming locations will now have official bathing water status and regular quality checks.
The Environment Agency keeps a close eye on these sites. They regularly monitor water quality and work with communities, farmers, and water companies to tackle pollution and keep waters safe and clean.
Government Plans Shake-Up of Bathing Water Rules
This year, a new consultation will launch to shake up the Bathing Water Regulations for England. Proposed changes aim to improve water quality, ramp up monitoring – even outside the official season – and prevent automatic removal of existing bathing sites.
The government also wants your input on expanding the definition of ‘bathers’ beyond swimmers to include rowers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. Keep an eye out for details on this important consultation.
Water Chiefs Praise Progress and Push for More
Water Minister Robbie Moore said:
“The value our bathing waters bring to local communities is incredibly valuable – providing social, physical, and positive health benefits to people around the country. I am pleased to have approved a further 27 new bathing water sites for this year.”
“These popular swimming spots will now undergo regular monitoring to ensure bathers have up-to-date information on water quality and enable action if standards aren’t met.”
“I am fully committed to seeing the quality of our coastal waters, rivers and lakes rise further for the benefit of the environment and everyone who uses them.”
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell added:
“England’s bathing waters are vital for residents and visitors alike. We provide rigorous testing so people can make informed decisions before swimming.”
“Bathing water quality has massively improved over the last decade thanks to robust regulation and hard work from partners and local groups. Last year, 96% of sites met minimum standards, up from just 76% in 2010 – despite tougher rules introduced in 2015.”
“Improvements take time and investment from water companies, farmers, and local communities. Where that investment happens, standards improve.”
Government’s Major Moves to Clean Up Waters
Recent efforts to protect and improve water quality include:
- Launching an £11 million Water Restoration Fund to channel fines back into local water projects.
- Mandating 100% monitoring of all storm overflows in England for full transparency on sewage spills.
- Removing caps on civil penalties for polluters to speed up action against water contamination.
- Rolling out a record £60 billion infrastructure plan over 25 years to cut sewage spills drastically.
- Expanding coastal and estuarine water protections through the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan.
- Investing £35 million in a targeted River Wye protection plan.
- Backing 180 local projects with £11.5 million to boost tree planting, habitat restoration, and flood management.
- Accelerating construction of vital water supply infrastructure, including reservoirs and transfer schemes.
The next round to apply for new bathing water status won’t open until Spring 2025. Meanwhile, swimmers can enjoy safer, cleaner waters this summer across England’s ever-growing list of top spots.
