‘Almost half of Great Britain’s total medal haul at the Paris 2024 Games (47%) came from water-based sports with 18% won by athletes who train outdoors in rivers, canals, lakes, and open water. Yet we risk losing this if we don’t act now to tackle the huge problem with water quality in the UK’ according to the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA), a collection of national governing bodies, calling for change.
The Alliance (Angling Trust, British Rowing, British Triathlon, GB Outrigger, Paddle UK, Royal Yachting Association and Swim England) united in April over the issue of water pollution and set a vision to achieve healthy and nature rich blue spaces for everyone to enjoy water sports.
Representing thousands of members, elite athletes and even more water users, the priorities that inform its actions are:
1. Further and faster action on pollution. Improving the health of UK waters by 2030.
2. Enable people to make real-time informed choices about where and when to participate in water-based sports and activities.
3. Recognition of all recreational water users across decision making and policy.
At the Southampton International Boat Show, the Alliance officially welcomed four new members: Surfing England, British Kitesports, British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and the British Dragon Boat Racing Association (BDA), adding more voices to the campaign.
As well as welcoming new members the CWSA has also engaged with major water companies such as Severn Trent Water and their trade body Water UK, shared collective data and expertise on issues including water testing and together, are already making a significant impact since launching in April this year.
Last week, the Alliance welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement of the new Water (Special Measures) Bill and promise of further reform, however they state that the ‘real work starts now’.
The Alliance look forward to on-going discussions with Ministers and Officials to ensure that plans for the industry meet the demands of their members for safe, clean environments where they can enjoy being on, in or under the water.
Ben Seal, Paddle UK, Head of Access & Environment: “Those water sports that rely on our rivers, canals, lakes and seas for enjoyment, to train and to compete, face an existential threat from water pollution. We risk jeopardising the enjoyment of millions of recreational water lovers and our future international success.”
Phil Horton, Royal Yachting Association, Environment & Sustainability Manager: “It’s great to see the representation in the Alliance grow with the addition of four new sports. This demonstrates the range of activities being impacted by pollution and water contamination.”
Ben Powis, CEO, Surfing England: “As surfers, we have a deep connection with the ocean and our coastline upon which our sport and our lifestyle is dependant. We are custodians of this delicate environment and action is needed to address the pollution, including the dumping of sewage that’s contaminating our coastal waters and all too often red flagging our beaches. Joining the Clean Water Sports Alliance, we can work collectively to apply real pressure on policy makers and regulators and drive positive change.”
Andy Gratwick, MD, British Kitesports Association: “We are pleased to be not only joining but also supporting the Clean Water Sports Alliance. As active and considerate water users of our amazing national coastline, we’re committed to helping preserve and improve water quality around our shores and beyond.”
Mary Tetley, CEO, British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC): “Clean water is crucial for the future of our sport and the health of our marine ecosystems. Our divers rely on these blue spaces, and it’s our responsibility to protect them. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder, adventure, and tranquillity our UK waters offer. That’s why we’re joining forces with our partners to demand stronger action from the government and industry to address water pollution.”
