England's official bathing season commences on Friday, extending through to September 30, with the introduction of 13 newly designated bathing sites across the country. A landmark addition is the first-ever designated bathing spot on the River Thames, located at Ham and Kingston in London. This milestone underscores significant improvements in water quality for a river that was declared biologically dead in the 1950s.
New Sites and Public Support
The new sites encompass a variety of locations, including popular beaches, a meadow, and a Yorkshire river spot. These were designated following a public consultation in which 90 per cent of respondents expressed support for their inclusion. Throughout the season, a total of 464 sites along England's coasts, rivers, and lakes will undergo regular water quality testing conducted by the Environment Agency. Results will be published weekly to keep the public informed.
Reforms to Bathing Water System
The government has implemented reforms to the designated bathing water system, introducing more flexible monitoring dates and expanding the legal definition of 'bather' to include participants in water sports. These changes aim to boost local tourism and enhance swimmer confidence.
Full List of New Bathing Sites
- Ham and Kingston (River Thames, London)
- Additional sites include beaches, a meadow, and a Yorkshire river spot
The Environment Agency's monitoring program will ensure that water quality standards are maintained, providing safe swimming conditions for the public throughout the season.
