Water sports warn of 'existential threat' to UK waters

Water sport governing bodies warn that Great Britain will not be able to replicate their Olympic success unless action is taken to improve the cleanliness of Britain's waters.

At Paris 2024, 47% of Team GB's medals came from water sports.

More governing bodies have joined the campaign group, formed in April and known as the Clean Water Sports Alliance, to tackle water pollution.

"Those water sports that rely on our rivers, canals, lakes and seas for enjoyment, to train and to compete, face an existential threat from water pollution," says Ben Seal, head of access and environment at Paddle UK, the governing body for canoeing, kayaking and other paddlesports.

"We risk jeopardising the enjoyment of millions of recreational water lovers and our future international success."

Surfing England, British Kitesport, British Sub-Aqua Club and the British Dragon Boat Racing Association have joined the campaign group, which already included British Rowing, British Triathlon and Swim England, among others.

They say 18% of medals won at Paris 2024 were won by athletes who train outdoors in rivers, canals, lakes and open water and they aim to take action to help improve the health of UK waters by 2030.

Phil Horton, environment and sustainability manager at the Royal Yachting Association, said: "It's great to see the representation in the Alliance grow with the addition of four new sports.

"This demonstrates the range of activities being impacted by pollution and water contamination."

Ben Powis, chief executive of Surfing England, said: "As surfers, we have a deep connection with the ocean and our coastline upon which our sport and our lifestyle is dependant.

"We are custodians of this delicate environment and action is needed to address the pollution, including the dumping of sewage that's contaminating our coastal waters and all too often red flagging our beaches."

Earlier this month it was announced that water company bosses could be banned from receiving bonuses and even sent to prison under new government legislation to combat pollution.

The campaign group say it welcomes the bill and looks "forward to ongoing discussions... to ensure that plans for the industry meet the demands of their members for safe, clean environments where they can enjoy being on, in or under the water."