Government proposes 13 new designated bathing spots in rivers and the sea: is there one near you?

The government has proposed 13 new designated bathing sites in the UK including the first on the River Thames. Could this mean more places to pull on your swim goggles and enjoy the water?

The proposed new sites will see the nation’s total bathing spots increase to 464. Local communities are being invited to have their say on proposals to designate 13 new bathing water sites, as part of a six-week public consultation. They include new rivers and coastal waters that are already popular with swimmers.

Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).

The sites under consultation are: 

1. Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals 
2. Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 
3. Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.   
4. Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.  
5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 
6. East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.  
7. Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows 
8. River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town 
9. River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps 
10. Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney 
11. River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, which could become London’s first river bathing site on the Thames 
12. New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary 
13. River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports 

You can find out more about designated bathing waters as well as how to apply to have a spot near you designated for bathing here.

Helen Webster Editor, 220 Triathlon

About

Helen has been 220's Editor since July 2013, when she made the switch from marathons to multisport. She's usually found open-water swimming and has competed in several swimruns as well as the ÖtillÖ World Series. Helen is a qualified Level 2 Open-Water Swim Coach focusing on open-water confidence and runs regular workshops at the South West Maritime Academy near Bristol. She is also an RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard trainer/assessor.