The Boat Race highlighted the potential impacts that poor water quality can have on public health.
Members of the Oxford rowing team criticised sewage levels in the water and said some team members were sick before the annual race against Cambridge.
Following this, Team GB rowing coxswain Erin Kennedy told BBC Breakfast, “’It’s not just rowers who are struggling it’s all river users”.
The impacts of poor water quality highlighted by the boat race highlight the potential impacts that poor water quality can have on public health.
We are campaigning and taking action through our Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign.
In 2023, we presented MPs with our Access and Environment Charter in which we asked them to “go further, faster to recover our blue spaces from pollution”.
Through the Outdoors For All manifesto, which was presented to parliamentarians in March, we asked for “outdoor spaces that are healthy and rich in native wildlife”.
Paddle UK also attended the End Sewage Pollution Coalition’s parliamentary event in Westminster.
The five key asks of MPs to bring an end to sewage pollution are:
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Enforce the law
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Prioritise high risk pollution
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Stop pollution for profit
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Reveal the truth
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Empower a nature-led approach
Paddle UK are working hard with other national governing bodies, the Wildlife and Countryside Link and other key stakeholders to advocate for urgent action.
By becoming a Paddle UK member we are far stronger. Our collective voice is much louder.
Keep up to date with real time discharges through the Surfers Against Sewage Safer seas and rivers app.
Check how your nearest CSO is performing via the Rivers Trust.
Contact your MP and water company demanding an end to untreated sewage discharges.
Sign River Action's Rescue our Rivers petition.
Flush only poo, pee and toilet paper.
Report any pollution incidents to the Environment Agency's 24-hour Hotline: 0800 80 70 60.
You can also take part in the Big Paddle Cleanup to help clear our waterways of junk.
Sign up to become a Clear Access, Clear Waters supporter and keep up to date on the latest developments and ways to get involved.
News about water quality can be alarming. We encourage you to enjoy your time on the water by following our guidance on waterborne diseases.
Thanks for your hard work campaigning on this issue, let's continue to take action and ensure the future of our blue spaces is sewage-free.