Thirteen new bathing water sites have officially opened across England as the 2026 bathing season gets underway, bringing increased water quality monitoring to rivers, lakes and coastal locations.
The new designations include the first ever bathing site on the River Thames in London and take the total number of monitored bathing waters in England to more than 460.
The sites will now undergo regular testing by the Environment Agency throughout the summer, with results published online to help swimmers make informed decisions about water quality and safety.
Government ministers say the expansion is intended to improve public confidence in open water swimming while supporting tourism and local communities.
The latest designations follow public consultation, with officials reporting strong support for the new bathing areas. The Ham and Kingston site on the Thames received a record number of endorsements during the consultation process.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said the additional sites represented part of wider reforms aimed at improving water quality nationwide.
“The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers,” she said.
“Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.”
She added that ministers remained committed to long-term reform of the industry and improving public trust in water management.
The Environment Agency says officers will carry out more than 7,000 water quality tests across England during the bathing season.
Alan Lovell said the increasing number of designated sites reflected growing public interest in rivers and outdoor swimming.
“The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality,” he said.
“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.”
Among the newly recognised sites is a beach in Bridport, Dorset, known to many viewers as a filming location for the ITV drama Broadchurch.
The Government says funding will also be provided for signage and public access improvements at the new locations.
The announcement comes ahead of the proposed Clean Water Bill, outlined in this week’s King’s Speech, which ministers say will strengthen oversight of water companies and tighten environmental regulation.
Last year, 93 per cent of England’s bathing waters met acceptable swimming standards, with 87 per cent rated either “excellent” or “good”.
