19 Jun 2024

Reported in The Mirror online Competitors taking part in a triathlon which involved swimming in the River Thames have been struck down with vomiting and diarrhoea with some even rushed to hospital because they felt so unwell. A large group took part in the Royal Windsor Triathlon in Berkshire on Sunday, but a number said […]

06 Mar 2024

Covered in The Independent Most of the UK’s beachgoers could be swimming in dirty waters mixed with sewage due to outdated water forecasting methods, a new study has found. With the growing popularity of coastal and wild swimming, there are increased concerns over polluted water flowing during the rainy season. But existing bathing water forecast […]

01 Aug 2023

Worrying piece in the Guardian, suggesting that messages about recent improvements and massive investment are not getting through to the public Almost a quarter of the UK’s sea swimmers may not take a dip in the ocean this year because of sewage dumping by water companies, according to a poll. Sewage was dumped into waters […]

26 Jul 2023

From the Guardian “That was fabulous,” said Jan Rees, a member of the Watchtower Waders swimming club as she emerged glistening from Llanishen reservoir. “The water was clear, clean and wonderfully warm. It’s thrilling to be here.” Rees, 67, grew up in this corner of Cardiff, just a few miles north of the city centre, and learned to […]

26 Jul 2023

Information from the Environment Agency shows that the majority of designated bathing waters across Devon and Cornwall have a good or excellent rating for water quality. However, the Environment Agency’s Swimfo bathing water website advises against bathing at several locations. It is officially the summer holidays, and as millions of people flock to the coast, the Environment […]

12 Apr 2023

Interesting piece in The Guardian. Read the article in the nature sustainability journal The swimming pools, well-watered gardens and clean cars of the rich are driving water crises in cities at least as much as the climate emergency or population growth, according to an analysis. The researchers said the vast difference in water use between […]

03 Aug 2022

This summer, Water UK is reminding the public of the dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs with a simple message – don’t swim on a whim! With temperatures hitting new highs and the start of the school summer holiday, many will be looking for ways to pass the day and stay cool. While reservoirs can […]