Sports groups unite for clean open water

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Seven national governing bodies of water-based sports have formed an alliance calling for clean open water across the UK.

The Clean Water Sports Alliance, formed of Angling Trust, British Rowing, British Triathlon, GB Outrigger, Paddle UK, Royal Yachting Association and Swim England, has set a vision to achieve healthy and nature-rich blue spaces across the UK for everyone to enjoy water sports in.

Collectively, the organisations represent almost 450,000 members, elite athletes, participants and many more water users across the country.

Pollution from various sources impacts UK inland and coastal waters, damaging ecosystems and in some cases causing illness in people who take part in physical activity in the waters.

Environments that are unfit to host water-based sport have also caused events, training sessions and activities to be cancelled or postponed because they have not met the standards required for safe participation.

By uniting, the Clean Water Sports Alliance says it aims to influence decision-makers and drive positive change, working collaboratively to highlight issues and create solutions to help return blue spaces to be where nature can thrive and sport and recreation can be enjoyed.

"Clean water needs to move from being considered a 'nice-to-have' to a literal 'we-can’t-live-without'.”

Cameron Taylor, Great Britain Outrigger
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British Rowing chief executive, Alastair Marks, said, “Clean water is a topic which is increasingly receiving the attention it deserves on a national level.

“With this new partnership we hope to embody the dedication of our athletes and strive towards cleaning, protecting and preserving the blue spaces on which our sports rely. “

British Triathlon chief executive Ruth Daniels, said, “For too long, not enough has been done, and we want to see real change to promote and protect clean open water here in the UK.”

Paddle UK, head of access and environment Ben Seal, said, "Water quality and pollution is one the biggest concerns for all users of blue space right now.

"We know there has been progress in some areas, but not enough. The government and the sector need to commit to going further, faster to protect human health. We will continue to do everything we can to be a strong voice in the water-sport sector and for our members."

Great Britain Outrigger chief executive, Cameron Taylor: “Outrigger is an ancient sport that has been practised for millennia and water is not just something that is taken and used. Water is a way of life.

“As an alliance of governing bodies we are speaking out clearly, united as a group, that clean water is pivotal to our survival. Polluted water is a death knell for British sport. Clean water needs to move from being considered a 'nice to have' to a literal 'we can’t live without'. Without clean water we do not exist.”

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The alliance has set out three priorities that will inform its actions:

  • Further and faster action on pollution. Improving the health of UK waters by 2030.
  • Enable people to make real-time informed choices about where and when to participate in water-based sports and activities. 
  • Recognition of all recreational water users across decision making and policy.