Thirteen new designated bathing spots across England have been proposed by the Government, including the first ever on the River Thames in London. 

The Water Minister Emma Hardy said the measures will help more communities benefit from safer local places to swim.

Designated Bathing Waters ensure better water quality oversight and boaters can have their say on these proposals to designate 13 new bathing water sites as part of a six-week public consultation. 

These changes will take the nation’s total bathing spots to 464. The sites under consultation are:

•    Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals
•    Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
•    Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.
•    Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.
•    Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury's most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
•    East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.
•    Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows
•    River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town
•    River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps
•    Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney
•    River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, which could become London's first river bathing site on the Thames
•    New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary
•    River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports

Although the RYA welcomes this addition, we believe the term ‘bathing waters’ should be replaced with the broader ‘recreational waters’.

Kate Fortnam, RYA Sustainability Manager said: “It’s positive news to see 13 potential new bathing sights which will see more people benefiting from protected water. However, we will hope that the Government will recognise the wider range of activities such as including sailing, boating windsurfing that also depend on safe and clean water”.

Support the sites that matter to you 

Bathing water sites support clubs and communities to protect their natural environment for health, wellbeing and sport. We’re encouraging our members and clubs connected to these sites to have a say by responding directly to the consultation online.

Read more about the Government announcement