The River Thames in London has received its first official designated bathing water area, with the stretch at Ham in south-west London set to welcome swimmers as the bathing season officially begins on Friday. This site is one of 13 new monitored swimming areas across England.
Designation After Campaigner Efforts
The Thames at Ham has been granted bathing water status following a campaign by local swimmers who provided evidence that thousands of people use the river for swimming year-round. Marlene Lawrence, founder of the Teddington Bluetits group with over 2,000 members, spearheaded the application alongside colleagues.
"This is amazing for the river and for the many people who enjoy it," Lawrence said. "We want bathing water status to be a driver of keeping the River Thames clean, and it will be fantastic to have this part of the river designated."
Other New Bathing Sites
Among the 13 new designated bathing water areas are locations including 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, a sea swimming area at Little Shore in Amble, Northumberland, 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. We're committed to generational reform of our water industry and won't stop until the job is done."
Campaign for Cleaner Rivers
Campaigners have been pushing for bathing water status for rivers for six years under the EU-derived bathing water directive, aiming to drive cleanup efforts. Previously, such designations were limited to coastal waters and lakes. Rivers face pollution from sewage discharge, forever chemicals, and agricultural runoff, and campaigners hope stricter testing will compel water companies to reduce sewage pollution.
The Environment Agency will monitor bathing waters for faecal indicator organisms, with officers visiting sites weekly throughout summer to take samples and publish water quality information online. The regulator evaluates whether action is needed to cut pollution and works with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality.
Infrastructure Improvements
In Ilkley, West Yorkshire, where the River Wharfe became the first river to receive bathing water status five years ago, Yorkshire Water is implementing over £85 million in infrastructure improvements to enhance water quality.
Full List of New Bathing Sites
The new designated bathing water sites, effective from May until the end of September, are:
- 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
