27 Aug 2026
Image description: Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) in the canal network in Bruges, Belgium Image credit: P Mantha on Unsplash Blue-green algae blooms causing mass disruption Successive heatwaves across the UK this summer have triggered a wave of blue-green algae blooms in rivers, lakes and coastal waters, causing widespread disruption to swimmers and raising deeper concerns […]
23 Apr 2026
Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash Campaigners are urging the government to update bathing water rules to help tackle pollution at a spot on the River Thames in Henley, home to the annual rowing regatta. The Guardian reports that businesses, river users, community groups and civic leaders in Henley wrote a joint letter to […]
19 Feb 2026
Proposals include first ever designated bathing spot on River Thames Image description: The river Thames flowing under Tower Bridge, with heavy boat traffic. Photo by: Pietro de Grandi, Unsplash The government has proposed 13 new designated swimming locations, including the first ever official bathing spot in London’s River Thames. Achieving designated status means these locations will undergo regular water quality testing by […]
16 Oct 2024
Reported in The Guardian A freshwater lake that attracts more than 30,000 swimmers a year is under threat of closure from an Environment Agency (EA) plan to reduce flooding that will channel in polluted river water, according to campaigners. Almost 50,000 people have signed a petition calling on the EA and Surrey county council to reroute the flood […]
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Covered in The Independent Most of the UK’s beachgoers could be swimming in dirty waters mixed with sewage due to outdated water forecasting methods, a new study has found.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 […]
