UK GOVERNMENT PROPOSES 13 NEW DESIGNATED SWIMMING SITES

UK GOVERNMENT PROPOSES 13 NEW DESIGNATED SWIMMING SITES INCLUDING FIRST OFFICIAL BATHING SPOT ON THE RIVER THAMES The UK government has unveiled proposals to designate 13 new official swimming and bathing water sites across England — among them what could become the first official bathing spot on the River Thames in London. The plans aim to expand public access to safe outdoor waters for swimming, paddling and other recreational activities while also boosting water quality monitoring and environmental protections. At the centre of the proposals is a stretch of the River Thames at Ham and Kingston in southwest London which, if approved, would become the first officially designated bathing water on the Thames within London’s city limits. This marks a significant milestone in the restoration of the river’s ecology and recreational use after decades of pollution that once led to the Thames being labelled “biologically dead” in the 1950s. Unlike traditional coastal beaches, rivers such as this one have seldom held official bathing status though other river spots in England have achieved it in recent years. Designation means that the Environment Agency will regularly test water quality for harmful bacteria and make results accessible to the public during the bathing season. If approved following a period of public consultation, the new sites would boost England’s roster of designated waters to around 464 locations covering beaches, coastal stretches, rivers and lakes. The list includes:
Little Shore, Amble (Northumberland) – a sandy crescent between the River Coquet and the North Sea
Newton and Noss Creeks (Devon) scenic tidal creek off the River
Canvey Island Foreshore (Essex) family-friendly sandy beach
Sandgate Granville Parade Beach (Kent) – pebbled shoreline popular with swimmers
Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury (Wiltshire) riverside stretch of the River Avon East Beach at West Bay (Dorset) coast made famous by the TV drama Broadchurch
Pangbourne Meadow (Berkshire) riverside meadow in The Wind in the Willows countryside River Fowey (Cornwall) tidal river flowing through Lostwithiel River Swale (North Yorkshire) famed for limestone waterfalls
Falcon Meadow, Bungay (Suffolk) scenic riverside on the River Waveney River Thames at Ham and Kingston (Greater London) potential London iconic swim site
New Brighton Beach (East) (Merseyside) seaside resort at Mersey Estuary River Dee at Sandy Lane (Cheshire) popular with families and water sports users These varied locations reflect both coastal and inland waters beloved by local communities and outdoor enthusiasts. Designation as an official bathing water site triggers a range of protective and monitoring measures:
Regular water quality testing by the Environment Agency during bathing season Publication of results so swimmers can assess safety before entering the water
A legal framework that encourages water companies and local authorities to tackle pollution sources
Boosted local pride, tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities
Water Minister Emma Hardy said the plan reflects government support for “local ambition” and recognises the importance of rivers and beaches where “families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely.”
The proposed Thames bathing spot underscores how far water quality has improved. Thanks to long‑term environmental investments including major sewage and stormwater management upgrades the Thames now supports thriving fish populations and reduced nutrient pollution compared with its heavily contaminated past. However, some communities and environmental groups note that many inland bathing sites remain challenged by pollution, with some earlier designated river sites rated lower for water quality owing to agricultural runoff and sewage discharges. Regular testing and reporting aims to help address these issues by highlighting where further action is needed. The government has launched a six‑week public consultation on the 13 proposed sites. Feedback from residents, campaigners and local authorities will inform final decisions ahead of the 2026 bathing water season. Officials emphasise that the consultation is part of a broader government effort to reform how bathing water protections adapt to real‑world use patterns including introducing more flexible monitoring schedules and expanding the legal definition of “bather” to include paddleboarders and surfers.