New bathing water reforms, the first since 2013, could see the definition of ‘bather’ include other watersports for the first time.
The government is also planning to introduce multiple monitoring points at each bathing water location as part of a change to regulations.
It means recreational water users like paddlers, surfers, sailors and rowers, and not just swimmers, will benefit from better water quality at bathing water locations.
Paddle UK and our partners in the Clean Water Sports Alliance have been campaigning for these changes.
The new bathing water rules will also include removing fixed season dates from regulations.
‘Outdated bathing water regulations’
Water quality and public health will be prioritised at new bathing water sites.
Applications for new bathing waters in England will re-open in May, and those sites will be assessed against the government’s newly reformed standards, set to become law later this year.
Ben Seal, Head of Access and Environment at Paddle UK said:
“For the water sports community, the commitment to modernise our outdated bathing water regulations is an encouraging development.
“More people than ever want to be in, on or alongside our waterways, to relax, to explore, to spend time with friends and importantly, to stay healthy.
“We are pleased that with these new reforms, the government is showing it recognises the diversity of where, when and how the public wish to enjoy blue spaces.
“We hope this announcement will have a ripple effect on the government’s plans for wider reform across all our waters, helping turn the tide on pollution and giving more people an opportunity to access cleaner, safer waters for recreation.”
A public consultation was launched, in 2024, in a bid to modernise bathing waters rules, of which there are 550 in England and Wales.
‘Benefits of beautiful waters’
The government said members of the public, environmental groups, farmers, businesses and local authorities showed clear support for modernising bathing water regulations.
Defra will work closely with the Environment Agency to ensure the new measures are implemented effectively, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to safely access bathing waters.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
“Bathing water sites are the pride of local communities across the country.
“But things can only get cleaner. We must go further and faster to open up our waterways for families to enjoy.
“The government is upgrading outdated regulations so they are fit for purpose.
“It is also why we are re-opening applications for new bathing sites in England, so that more people have the opportunity to experience the benefits of our beautiful waters.”
Updating bathing water regulations is part of a government action plan to tackle our water system.
Other measures include banning bonuses for polluting water bosses through the Water (Special Measures) Act and ring fencing customer money for vital infrastructure projects.
‘Feasibility test’
Some campaign groups have expressed concern that rivers are unlikely to be granted the protections of bathing water status under the changes to the system.
The Guardian claimed ministers will impose a feasibility test on any waterway where a bathing water designation is being sought.
If they’re too polluted to improve to at least “sufficient” water quality they will not be given a designation.
Paddle UK, in its response to the bathing waters consultation, stated that it could be reasonable for water quality, the feasibility of achieving a ‘sufficient’ standard, physical safety, and environmental protections to be considered when deciding whether to designate a site as a bathing water.
Paddle UK and other groups were clear these assessments must, however, be considered alongside proposed site management and improvement plans, so that good projects are not dismissed out of hand for not meeting the criteria.
Paddle UK’s full response to the Bathing Waters Consultation can be read here:
The Clean Water Sports Alliance letter to the Water Minister, Emma Hardy MP can be read here: