UK Festive Swims Threatened by Widespread Sewage Pollution

Polluted waterways force cancellations of traditional swims as government and regulators face growing pressure for action.

A poll revealed that 33% of Britons would rather swim with sharks than in sewage-contaminated waters, highlighting public disgust over water pollution.
Traditional festive swims across the UK, including events in Kent and Cornwall, have been canceled due to high levels of sewage and E.coli contamination.
In 2023, popular swimming spots experienced 3,799 sewage discharges lasting over 24,000 hours, with areas like Morecambe Bay and Windermere among the hardest hit.
The Labour Government has introduced the Water (Special Measures) Bill, aiming to ban bonuses for polluting water company executives and strengthen enforcement powers.
Environmental groups and political parties are calling for stricter regulations and increased accountability for water companies to restore clean waterways.