As the bathing water season begins, 13 new swimming sites have officially opened across England, giving communities more safe places to enjoy rivers and beaches while increasing protection
for local waterways.
Among the newly designated locations is the first-ever official bathing site on the River Thames in London — a milestone for open-water swimming in the capital.
The additions bring the total number of designated bathing waters in England to more than 460, covering almost every coastal county as well as a growing number of inland swimming spots.
All designated sites will now be regularly monitored and tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season, helping swimmers stay informed about water quality and feel more confident entering the water.
The new sites received strong backing during public consultation, with around 90% of responses supporting the plans. The Ham & Kingston site on the Thames attracted record levels of support.
The government says the move is part of wider efforts to improve water quality, expand environmental monitoring and restore public confidence in rivers and beaches. Currently, four out of five bathing waters in England are rated either “Excellent” or “Good”.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said the new sites would improve monitoring, support local tourism and encourage more people to enjoy outdoor swimming safely.
She added that the government is continuing reforms of the water sector after years of underinvestment and weak oversight.
The Environment Agency will carry out more than 7,000 water quality tests this season across England’s bathing sites. Officers will take weekly samples throughout the summer, with results published online for the public.
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said the growing number of designated sites reflects how strongly communities value clean water and access to nature. He also encouraged swimmers to check water quality conditions before swimming.
One of the newly confirmed bathing water locations is in Bridport, Dorset — known to many as the filming location for the ITV drama ‘Broadchurch’. The government will also fund signage at the new sites to improve public access and awareness.
Officials say the expansion is not only about swimming but also about helping towns attract visitors, boosting local economies and encouraging people to reconnect with nature.
The announcement comes alongside planned reforms to bathing water regulations, aimed at creating a more flexible system that better reflects how people use rivers, lakes and beaches today.
Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable swimming standards, with 87% rated “Excellent” or “Good”.
The changes also align with the upcoming Clean Water Bill announced in this week’s King’s Speech, which promises tougher oversight of water companies and further reforms intended to rebuild public trust in the sector.
