Thousands Paddle Out Across UK to Protest Sewage Pollution at Bathing Season Start

Thousands of campaigners across the UK staged paddle-out protests organized by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) to demand a complete overhaul of the water industry aimed at ending raw sewage discharges into waterways. These protests coincide with the start of the official bathing season and highlight public health concerns, as untreated sewage was discharged on average once every 60 seconds in England during the last bathing season, totaling over 8,700 discharges. SAS CEO Giles Bristow criticized water companies for failing to meet targets despite investments, emphasizing the need for radical reform and better transparency. Public confidence in water quality remains low, with over half of UK adults worried about getting sick from swimming in polluted waters. The government has responded by passing the Water Special Measures Bill and launching an independent commission to examine the water industry and regulation, while also imposing criminal liability and fines on water company executives who pollute. Protestors, including athletes and local politicians, called for urgent action, better monitoring, and infrastructure investment to protect people and the environment.