Water sports march in biggest demonstration for clean water in UK history
The rowing community and other sportspeople turned up in full force at the Albert Embankment on Sunday, 3 November to join the Clean Water March, calling for clean, healthy and abundant water for all
At least 15,000 people from across the UK joined the March, which began by the Thames in Vauxhall and finished with a rally in Parliament Square.
The March, coordinated by River Action, was supported by the Clean Water Sports Alliance, collectively representing 450,000 members across a range of water-based sports from grassroots right up to the highest-achieving athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics.
The rally in Parliament Square featured a range of speakers, including Naturalist Chris Packham. Representing sports was Olympic Champion Dr Imogen Grant, who took to the stage to emphasise the vital role sportspeople play in the protection of our most precious natural resource: water.
Imogen said: “Rowers, runners, anglers, surfers, swimmers, paddlers – every single one of us benefits from the rivers that are foundations of our community. This march is the start of a new momentum – we need to call on this government to do better, and that starts today.”
Chantelle Grundy, Access and Environment Lead for Paddle UK, said: ‘What an inspiring day to be surrounded by so many passionate people and groups out on the streets of London keeping the pressure on the new government to take action on pollution so we can all have access to nature rich blue spaces which everyone can enjoy.’
Phil Horton, Environmental and Sustainability Manager at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) said: “We were pleased to see such a turnout at the March for Clean Water and great to have some of our representatives from the Clean Water Sports Alliance in London to show our unified support. The rally’s goals resonate deeply with what we seek at the CWSA: effective reform, consistent enforcement, and a commitment to ending pollution for profit. It is only with a united voice that calls for change can be heard and so it’s wonderful to see such a wide range of people come together to share their passion for protecting our waters.”
Philip Brownlie, Head of Public Affairs at Swim England, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people who care about the health of our rivers, lakes and blue spaces making their feelings known on the march and showing the strength of feeling on this issue in communities right across the country. Swim England are committed to continuing to campaign to protect our blue spaces and improve the health of our waterways.”
Mary Tetley, CEO of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), said: “It was great to see BSAC members add their voices to the thousands of others who are demanding action on this vital issue. As guardians of the underwater world, our divers and snorkellers face health risks from poor water quality and pollution every time they enter the water Let us hope the message has been heard in Westminster that it’s time for change. BSAC will continue to advocate for responsible corporate behaviours and better governance of our water sector.”
Rachel Dulai, Sustainability Lead at British Rowing, said: “It was incredible to see so many people marching along the river that so many of our members row on every day. This issue is extremely close to the hearts of the entire rowing community – today was a demonstration of just how important clean water is to save our sport.”
About the Clean Water Sports Alliance
The Clean Water Sports Alliance is a coalition of National Governing Bodies who represent almost 450,000 members, elite athletes, participants and many more water users. Together we rely on the use of UK waters for sport and recreation. We are advocating for the restoration of our blue spaces for the enjoyment of all. We want these environments to be free of pollution and havens for wildlife. We are working together to drive positive change, improve water quality and the health of our blue spaces for all.
Find out more about British Rowing’s work on sustainability here
