A team of Olympic-level swimmers is set to begin a historic relay swim along
the entire length of the Thames River next week, aiming to bring increased
attention to the escalating crisis of sewage pollution in United Kingdom
waterways.

Non-Stop Relay to Highlight Urgent Need for Water Industry reform

Eight prominent athletes will commence the non-stop journey at the Thames’
source in Gloucestershire on Monday, intending to conclude their endeavor in
Teddington on Thursday. The team will then proceed to Westminster to directly
address Members of Parliament regarding their concerns. The initiative has
been organized by the advocacy group Surfers Against Sewage, who assert that
significant, systemic changes are necessary within the water industry.

“the Thames is an absolutely iconic river,” stated Team GB’s Toby Robinson.”I’m undertaking this swim to share the river’s story – encompassing both
the dedicated communities working towards its restoration and the formidable
challenges it faces.”

Robinson further emphasized the importance of building on the momentum
generated by the Paris Olympics, stating that the games demonstrated the
potential for urban rivers to be revitalized to a condition suitable for
recreational use and enjoyment by city residents. “This should be a right
for all citizens,” he added. “Restoring the Thames brings this vision closer
to reality for Londoners.”

Record Sewage Discharges Fuel Calls for Action

Recent data reveals a disturbing trend: last year alone, water companies
discharged sewage into England’s waterways an alarming 78% more times than
in 2022, according to the Environment agency. Surfers Against Sewage reports
that this concerning pattern has persisted throughout the current year,
despite the recent Cunliffe Review, wich calls for a essential
restructuring of the water industry.

“As Parliament reconvenes following a summer marked by widespread sewage
pollution, the Thames Swim Against Sewage sends a clear message to our
leaders: end the sewage crisis instantly,” stated Dani Jordan, Director of
Campaigns and Communities at Surfers Against Sewage.

The symbolic nature of the swim is also underscored by the route, which will
pass directly by the headquarters of Thames Water, a company that has come
under scrutiny for prioritizing shareholder profits over environmental
responsibility.

Who are the Swimmers Taking on the Challenge?

In addition to Toby Robinson, other elite athletes participating in the relay
include fellow Olympian Hector Pardoe and Jessika Robson, a world-record
holder in ultramarathon and ice swimming. Throughout the three-day event,
participants and Surfers Against Sewage will meticulously monitor water
quality, assessing levels of E. coli, ammonia, and oxygen.

“Swimming has always been integral to my life,” said Robson. “though, I’ve
also witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of water pollution on the
places I cherish. Participating in this swim is my way of giving back to
the water that has given me so much.”

Surfers Against Sewage is advocating for reforms to Bathing Water
Regulations, including the implementation of real-time, year-round water
quality monitoring.