TELEGRAPH CLEAN RIVERS CAMPAIGN

hDespite the increasing popularity of wild swimming in lakes, rivers and coasts around the UK, there are only two rivers officially designated as having ‘bathing status’ (meaning the environment ministry monitors them throughout the summer months for dangerous levels of bacteria): the River Wharfe in Ilkley and Port Meadow in Oxford. This is because of the level of raw sewage discharge into lakes, rivers and coastlines around the country. The discharges from water firms are on the rise with more than 400,000 recorded in 2021, in addition to agricultural run-off, which can accelerate the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.

hIt’s for this reason that the Telegraph has instituted its Clean Rivers Campaign (telegraph.co.uk/cleanrivers-campaign/ to reverse the damage to our waterways and create a national plan to protect our rivers.

hYou can check for general water quality on the Environment Agency’s website (environment.data. gov.uk/water-quality/view/ explore) though this data is not real-time and does not test for bacteria such as E.coli. Rivers are graded from A to F and it is important to avoid swimming in waters that are rated D to F. The Outdoor Swimming Society (outdoorswimmingsociety. com) also has information and recommendations from members on its website.

hWatch out for blue-green algae, which can cause itchiness and sore eyes. You can’t detect which algae is harmful by sight alone, so avoid swimming anywhere with algal blooms on the water.

hWhen wild swimming it is important to choose clean water and avoid swimming immediately downstream of sewer discharges and overflows, especially after it has been raining. Never swim with an open wound, and cover any scratches or nicks with a strong waterproof plaster.

Jack Rear