Four more organisations have joined the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA).
The Alliance was founded earlier this year when the Angling Trust, British Rowing, British Triathlon, GB Outrigger, Paddle UK, Royal Yachting Association and Swim England united over the issue of water pollution and set a vision to achieve healthy and nature-rich blue spaces for everyone to enjoy water sports.
Now the CWSA has officially welcomed four new members: Surfing England, British Kitesports, British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and the British Dragon Boat Racing Association (BDA).
Representing thousands of members, elite athletes and even more water users, the key priorities that inform the Alliance’s actions are:
- 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.
A statement from the CWSA noted: “Almost half of Great Britain's total medal haul at the Paris 2024 Games (47%) came from water-based sports with 18% won by athletes who train outdoors in rivers, canals, lakes, and open water. Yet we risk losing this if we don’t act now to tackle the huge problem with water quality in the UK.”
As well as welcoming new members the CWSA has also engaged with major water companies such as Severn Trent Water and their trade body Water UK, and shared collective data and expertise on issues including water testing and together.
Ben Powis, CEO of Surfing England, commented: “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.
“Joining the Clean Water Sports Alliance, we can work collectively to apply real pressure on policy makers and regulators and drive positive change.”
