The Clean Water Sports Alliance, which represents thousands of members, elite athletes and recreational water users, has welcomed four new members.
The Alliance, which united in April over the issue of water pollution, has become stronger with the addition of Surfing England, British Kitesport, British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and the British Dragon Boat Racing Association (BDA).
Paddle UK, British Rowing, British Triathlon, GB Outrigger, Paddle UK, Royal Yachting Association, Swim England and the Angling Trust, set a vision to achieve healthy and nature rich blue spaces for everyone to enjoy water sports.
The Clean Water Sports Alliance are asking for healthy and nature-rich blue spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The Alliance has set out three priorities:
- Further and faster action on pollution. Improving the health of UK waters by 2030
- Enable people to make real-time informed choices about where and when to participate
- Recognition of all recreational water users across decision making and policy
On Friday 13 September, the Alliance welcomed the new members at the Southampton International Boat Show.
Ben Seal, Paddle UK’s Head of Access and Environment, said:
“We are delighted that Surfing England, British Kitesport, British Sub-Aqua Club and the British Dragon Boat Racing Association have joined the Alliance.
“All four sports rely on our rivers, canals, lakes and seas for enjoyment, to train and to compete.
“Like the founder members, they face an existential threat from water pollution.
“We risk jeopardising the enjoyment of millions of recreational water lovers and our future international success.”
The Alliance welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement of the new Water (Special Measures) Bill and promise of further reform, and our collective stance is the ‘real work starts now’.
Since its formation the group has also engaged with water companies and their trade body Water UK, sharing collective data and expertise on issues including water testing.
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.
In Paris, British athletes collectively brought home 189 medals.
Almost half of Great Britain’s medal haul at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, came from water-based sports.
About 18% of those medals won by athletes who train outdoors in rivers, canals, lakes and open water.
Ben Powis, the CEO of new member Surfing England, said: “As surfers, we have a deep connection with the ocean and our coastline, upon which our sport and our lifestyle is dependent.
“We are custodians of this delicate environment and action is needed to address the pollution, including the dumping of sewage, that is 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”.
Mary Tetley, the CEO of British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) said:
“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 tranquility 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.”