Chester Shows Fantastic Support for Nationwide Paddle Out Protest

On Saturday 17th June, thousands of people across the UK took part in mass ‘Paddle Out’ protests, calling for urgent reform of the UK water industry amid growing public outrage over raw sewage discharges into rivers, lakes, and seas.

At more than 40 locations—from coastal beaches to inland rivers—campaigners rallied with surfboards, placards, and paddle boards as part of a coordinated national campaign led by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

This wave of protests comes in response to a deepening environmental scandal: in 2024 alone, over half a million raw sewage discharges were reported across UK waterways. Recent polling from Opinium shows that fewer than 1 in 5 people believe they’ll be able to swim safely in their local bathing spot by 2030, with just 21% expressing confidence that water companies will be held to account.

In 2023, the Environment Agency reported a record level of sewage releases. Of the 451 designated bathing waters in England, 37 are now rated as ‘poor’, primarily due to sewage pollution, including hazardous levels of E. coli and intestinal enterococci.

In Chester, local water users and campaigners gathered at Sandy Lane for a community-led protest organised by a core team: Adam Caris, Dianne Parrish, Barry Johnston, and Helen Tandy.

Helen, the local Surfers Against Sewage Rep and Director of Eco Communities, said:

“It was inspiring to see such a strong turnout, including colourful costumes like our mermaids and our now-iconic mascot, ‘Jobbie the Poo’—a humorous yet powerful symbol of public frustration and the urgent demand for clean water.”

Chester’s involvement was initiated by Adam, a regular River Dee swimmer, who contacted SAS to ensure the city was included in the national action. He stated:

“Water companies must uphold their obligations to protect our natural environments. A healthy River Dee can enrich our community, support diverse ecosystems, and benefit the local economy. Wanting cleaner rivers and seas is a no-brainer,” 

Dianne and Barry have played key roles in water quality testing and the 2023 application to have Sandy Lane recognised as an official bathing water. Unfortunately, the application was rejected when the government changed the criteria mid-process to require 100 daily swimmers—a difficult threshold for many inland sites. They continue to raise awareness through the Clean Dee Facebook Group.

What You Can Do:

• Download the SAS “Safer Seas & Rivers Service” app for real-time water quality alerts. Google Safer Seas & Rivers Service. https://datahq.sas.org.uk/sewage-data-hq/is-it-safe-to-swim/
• Email your MP to demand urgent reform of the water industry in England and Wales. https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/our-water-quality-campaigns/email-your-mp/
• Join us on 5th June at the Picturehouse Chester for a screening of ‘Rave On for the Avon’—a moving and uplifting film highlighting both the challenges facing UK rivers and the inspiring individuals fighting to protect them.
• Read more and book here Picturehouse Green Film - 'Rave on the Avon' 5th June - 6pm - Chester Green Weekend

SAS and campaigners nationwide are calling for radical reform that prioritises public health and environmental protection over corporate profit. It’s time to end sewage pollution—for good.

In 2024, Welsh Water discharged raw sewage thousands of times into waterways in and around Chester. The data below highlights just a few examples:

Chester City Centre:

• Deva Terrace: 87 spills into the River Dee
• Dee Lane: 101 spills (25 hours total)
• Dingle In: 113 spills (50 hours total)

Further upstream (flowing into the Dee):

• Aldford Sewage Treatment Works: 107 spills (976 hours)
• Saighton Sewage Treatment Works: 121 spills (duration unreported)
• Lavister: 245 spills (3,579 hours)

As the official bathing season begins (15 May – 30 September), these figures highlight the urgent need for reform. The people of Chester—and communities across the UK—deserve clean, safe access to their rivers and seas.

For more information visit: 

https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/our-water-quality-campaigns/paddleoutprotest/