A consultation into changes to bathing water rules will look at including paddlers for the first time, following new government reforms. Currently only swimmers are included in the definition of ‘bathers’, but that could change to include other water sports enthusiasts like paddlers and surfers.

Other bathing water reforms could include removing fixed season dates from regulations and introducing multiple testing points at bathing water sites.

The announcement has been made by Defra and Welsh Government ahead of an independent report by the Office of Environmental Protection, due to be published this week. Recommendations from the OEP report, are set to be considered as part of the consultation.

Canoe Wales welcomes the governments at the Senedd and Westminster coming together to consider reforms to the current bathing water designation process, we see this as an opportunity to improve the quality of our waters whilst giving greater consideration to a wider range of recreational users.

The consultation is an opportunity for recreational users to have their voices heard. We encourage everyone who has concerns over the health of our waterways to feed into the process.

Bathing waters are monitored by the Environment Agency in England and Natural Resources Wales, in Wales. 

Annual ratings classify each site as excellent, good, sufficient or poor on the basis of water quality.

The public, environmental groups and businesses have all been invited to contribute. Paddle UK and Canoe Wales will be working closely with Clean Water Sports Alliance colleagues in both England and Wales to input into the consultation and to provide guidance for its members and community on how to respond.

The government said changes to bathing water rules “will prioritise public safety and water quality” so more people can enjoy our rivers, lakes and seas throughout the seasons.

It is set to be the first big shake up of bathing water reforms since 2013.

The consultation will run for six weeks, closing on 23 December 2024.