12 November 2024
Watersports to be consulted in new bathing water reforms for the first time
And the Clean Water Sports Alliance launches in Wales
Today听marks听a unique听dual听moment for the听as听Defra and the Welsh Government听have announced听a听听that听will look at听water sports such as sailing听for the first time, following new government reforms.
The news lands听with听perfect timing听as the CWSA听also听welcomes听four听new members听in Wales听today: RYA听Cymru Wales, Canoe Wales, Welsh Triathlon and Welsh Rowing.听
Currently only swimmers are included in the definition of 鈥榖athers鈥,听but that could change to include other water sports enthusiasts like paddlers and surfers.
First big potential shake up
The听first听big听potential听shake听up of bathing water reforms since 2013, the听public consultation has been launched in a bid to modernise bathing waters rules,听which currently apply to听over听550听sites听in England and Wales.
Other bathing water reforms could include removing fixed seasonal testing听dates from regulations and introducing multiple testing points at bathing water sites.
The announcement has been made by Defra ahead of an independent report by the Office of Environmental Protection, due to be published this week. Recommendations from the OEP report, which members听of the Clean Water Sports Alliance听have听contributed听to, are set to be considered as part of Defra鈥檚 consultation.
Reform is long overdue
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:鈥淏athing water sites are the pride of local communities across the country.But the current system is not working for all those who use and enjoy our bathing waters, and reform is long overdue.听That is why this Government will give more people the opportunity to experience the benefits of our beautiful waters and connect with nature.鈥
Phil Horton, the RYA鈥檚 Environmental and Sustainability Manager, said:听鈥淭he听RYA听and the 10 other organisations that听represent听the Clean Water Sports Alliance听welcome听this听proposal to reform the bathing water听regulations. A key ask of听the听Alliance is to extend the definition of bathers to include other water sports, and to extend听water quality testing year-round.听The consultation will be an important opportunity for the voices of recreational boaters to be heard鈥.
Have your say
Bathing waters听in England and Wales听are听monitored听by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.听Annual ratings classify each site as excellent, good,听sufficient听or poor听on the basis of听water quality.
The public, environmental groups and businesses have all been invited to contribute听with the听Clean Water Sports Alliance听intending to听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 鈥渨ill prioritise public safety and water quality鈥 so more people can enjoy our rivers,听lakes听and seas throughout the seasons.
The听 will run for six weeks, closing on 23 December 2024.
The 911制品Awards will be presented across two categories.
Affiliate Awards
The Affiliate Awards, supported by Gallagher, honour clubs, classes and affiliated organisations playing a vital role in the vibrant and thriving boating network.
In this category you鈥檒l find awards including Together on Water, The Green Blue team, Young Person鈥檚, Active and Event of the Year.
Individual Awards
The Individual Awards celebrate the exceptional commitment and achievements of both long-standing and young volunteers. Whether it鈥檚 mowing the lawn, making tea, helming the safety boat or simply getting stuck in wherever needed- it all counts.
Awards in this category include Unsung Hero, Long Service, Rising Star, Guiding Light and Inspirational Race Coach or Instructor.
Make your nomination
Nominations must be made before midday on听16 September 2024.
Category finalists will be invited to a reception held at the听911制品Dinghy & Watersports Show听on Saturday 22 February 2025 where the overall category winners will be announced.
Find out more information about the categories and听make your nomination.
