- The official bathing season in England begins on Friday and will run until September 30, with 13 new designated bathing sites opening across the country.
- A significant addition is the first-ever designated bathing spot on the River Thames in London, located at Ham and Kingston, marking a milestone for improved water quality in a river previously declared biologically dead in the 1950s.
- The new sites, which also include popular beaches, a meadow, and a Yorkshire river spot, were designated following a public consultation where 90 per cent of responders supported their inclusion.
- Throughout the season, 464 sites across England's coasts, rivers, and lakes will undergo regular water quality testing by the Environment Agency, with results published weekly to inform the public.
- The government has reformed the designated bathing water system to allow more flexible monitoring dates and expanded the legal definition of 'bather' to include water sports participants, aiming to boost local tourism and swimmer confidence.
IN FULL
The 13 new bathing sites to open across England – including first Thames spot in London
