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Defra simplifies bathing water application guidance for swelling numbers of outdoor swimmers

by Karma Loveday

Defra has published updated guidance on how to apply for a bathing water designation. This is to make it easier for people to understand and use as the popularity of outdoor swimming grows.


Environment secretary, Therese Coffey, explained to the House that the main changes to the designation guidance are:

  • there must be at least 100 bathers a day at the site during the bathing season;

  • applicants must poll bathers on two days during the bathing season as proof of bather numbers;

  • there must be access to toilet facilities within 500m of the proposed bathing water site;

  • clearer guidance on seeking local views on proposals to designate sites as bathing waters; and

  • the introduction of an application form to make it easier for people to prepare their applications.

This year, applications must be submitted by 31 October to be judged against the new guidance.

There are currently 424 designations. 93% of bathing waters were classified as good or excellent last year, up from 76% in 2010.


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