England’s Waterways Used for Recreation Far Exceed Official Records, New Data Shows

Published: 12 August. The English Chronicle Desk

Recent analysis reveals that the number of waterways in England used for recreational activities like swimming, rowing, and paddleboarding far surpasses government records, highlighting a significant gap in monitoring and regulation. While the Environment Agency has officially identified 342 locations designated for water recreation, the new comprehensive study has mapped 3,347 such sites across rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

This extensive usage includes 1,727 sites popular for swimming, 1,706 for paddleboarding, 220 for rowing, 1,065 for sailing, and 87 locations where surfing takes place. Prominent inland waterways attracting enthusiasts include the catchments of the Thames, Great Ouse, Cam, Nene, Tyne, and Trent rivers, as well as the natural lakes of the Lake District. The rising popularity of water-based leisure is underscored by the doubling of annual licences for unpowered watercraft—from 45,000 in 2017 to 100,000 in 2023.

Campaigners emphasize that these findings confirm long-held concerns about outdated regulations and insufficient protections for England’s “wild waters,” which host a vibrant community of swimmers, surfers, sailors, and paddlers year-round. Despite the widespread recreational use, official monitoring remains limited to 451 designated bathing sites, and these are tested only during the official bathing season. This leaves the majority of swimmers vulnerable to pollution, especially during rainier months when sewage overloads drain systems and pollutes waterways.

Notably, only 20% of swimming areas identified in the new data are near designated bathing water monitoring points, underscoring the need for expanded testing. Previous research has indicated that England’s bathing waters are five times more likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli compared to those in other EU countries. This pollution has affected major outdoor events, including the iconic Boat Race on the Thames.

Experts and environmental organizations are urging the government to enhance water quality monitoring, extend testing beyond the bathing season, and develop a comprehensive strategy to tackle sewage pollution. Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, stressed the urgency of balancing public health with nature conservation, calling for more designated bathing waters and firm commitments to improve water quality.

Dani Jordan, director of campaigns at Surfers Against Sewage, criticized the current laws as inadequate and called on the government to act swiftly on upcoming reforms. “Most of our blue spaces aren’t even monitored – and that’s unacceptable,” she said, advocating for year-round protection for all water users, not just a narrow definition of bathers.

Dr Robert Bradburne, chief scientist at the Environment Agency, welcomed the data as a milestone, providing “robust and insightful” insights into how communities engage with waterways across England. He noted that shifting patterns of use require improved resources and planning to ensure safe and sustainable access, aligning with government reforms aimed at safeguarding water quality for all.

This new evidence underlines the need for comprehensive reforms to better protect England’s cherished waterways, ensuring they remain clean, safe, and accessible for the millions who rely on them for recreation and wellbeing.