The start of the official bathing water season today sees 13 new bathing sites open across England - the designated sites include the first-ever site on the River Thames in London.

The 13 new sites take the total to over 460 bathing waters, covering nearly every coastal county in England as well as several more inland swimming spots.   

Announcing the opening, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Defra) said the sites will be rigorously and regularly tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season, meaning swimmers are better informed about water quality, and can swim with greater confidence.   

The designations follow a public consultation with each site receiving overwhelming public support, with 90% of responders in favour of designation and a record number endorsing the Ham & Kingston site.   

Defra said the Government’s commitment to improving water quality and expanding monitoring is delivering clear results for swimmers and the environment, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.    

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 

   “The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.    

“Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.   

“We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.”

The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites every week at each location and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels. The environmental regulator works with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.  

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:  

“The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality. 

“If you’re planning on going open water swimming this summer, I’d advise everyone to get informed - checking water quality and conditions before you go.  

“Across the bathing water season, Environment Agency teams will be out conducting over 7000 tests across over 460 locations. Through strong regulation and the right data, we will continue to drive improvements to bathing water quality, working closely with local partners to direct investment and target action in the right places.”

The new designations come alongside recent changes to the bathing water regulations aimed at modernising the system, helping to ensure it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches.  

Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming, with 87% rated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. 

Defra said the announcement is in line with the upcoming Clean Water Bill, announced this week in the King’s Speech, which will continue momentum on once‑in‑a‑generation reforms to end weak oversight, stop water companies marking their own homework and restore public trust.