The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have announced the approval of a record number of bathing sites across England.
27 new locations have been designated, and will be subject to water pollution testing.
But various several existing sites have been rated as ‘poor’ and therefore not suitable for wild swimming.
The new sites will take the total number of bathing waters to 451 across England.
The sites have become popular for swimming in open waters, known as wild swimming.
The pastime has been found to have positive effects on people’s mental health.
Studies have found that the process can improve your circulation, with the cold shock focusing the body and leaving many participants feeling more at peace.
Water testing
Designated sites are tested by the Environment Agency during the bathing season, which lasts from mid-May until the end of September.
Last year the number rated ‘excellent’ declined, and those considered ‘poor’ rose to its highest level since 2015.
However, 96% of bathing waters in England still met the minimum standards, and 90% classified as ‘good’ or ‘excellent.’
Water minister Robbie Moors says he is “fully committed to seeing the quality of our coastal waters, rivers and lakes rise further for the benefit of the environment and everyone who uses them.”
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HeadlineRecord number of new swimming sites approved in England
Short HeadlineGovernment approve new swimming locations in England
StandfirstBut many existing sites have been rated as poor and not suitable for wild swimming.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have announced the approval of a record number of bathing sites across England.
27 new locations have been designated, and will be subject to water pollution testing.
But various several existing sites have been rated as ‘poor’ and therefore not suitable for wild swimming.
The new sites will take the total number of bathing waters to 451 across England.
The sites have become popular for swimming in open waters, known as wild swimming.
The pastime has been found to have positive effects on people’s mental health.
Studies have found that the process can improve your circulation, with the cold shock focusing the body and leaving many participants feeling more at peace.
Water testing
Designated sites are tested by the Environment Agency during the bathing season, which lasts from mid-May until the end of September.
Last year the number rated ‘excellent’ declined, and those considered ‘poor’ rose to its highest level since 2015.
However, 96% of bathing waters in England still met the minimum standards, and 90% classified as ‘good’ or ‘excellent.’
Water minister Robbie Moors says he is “fully committed to seeing the quality of our coastal waters, rivers and lakes rise further for the benefit of the environment and everyone who uses them.”
