As part of this first shake-up to our bathing waters since 2013, the government is developing plans to expand the definition of ‘bathers’ to include participants in water sports other than swimming, such as paddle boarders and surfers.
To make sure that people can enjoy these activities safely, the government will also look to introduce multiple monitoring points at each bathing water location.
The news comes as the government confirms applications for new bathing waters in England will re-open in May, the start of the 2025 bathing water season. Prospective sites will be assessed against the government’s newly reformed standards, set to become law later this year.
Updating bathing water regulations is part the wider action government is taking to fix our water system – from banning bonuses for polluting water bosses through the Water (Special Measures) Act to ringfencing customer money for vital infrastructure upgrades. The government has also launched the largest review into the water sector since privatisation, to consider where further reform is needed.
This is part of the government’s Plan for Change to support the infrastructure Britain needs to boost growth, construct 1.5 million new homes, and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
“Bathing water sites are the pride of local communities across the country. But safety and cleanliness is paramount, and we must go further and faster to open up our waterways for families to enjoy.
“The Government is upgrading outdated regulations so they are fit for purpose. It is also why we are re-opening applications for new bathing sites in England, so that more people have the opportunity to experience the benefits of our beautiful waters.”
Wales’s Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Climate Change Huw Irranca-Davies added:
“Wales is home to some of the most beautiful bathing waters in Europe and we are committed to ensuring they remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for future generations.
“These reforms mark an important step forward and, by modernising how we manage our bathing waters, we can strengthen protections in a way that means these natural spaces can still be enjoyed safely.”
