Surfers Against Sewage is calling on the Plymouth community and all concerned citizens to join a major ‘Paddle Out Protest’ on May 18, starting at 11am at Tinside East Beach, The Hoe, Plymouth.

The aim is to highlight the urgent need for action against sewage pollution in UK waters, particularly in the Southwest. The picturesque waters of Plymouth Sound and the surrounding Southwest region have been marred by increasing instances of sewage discharges.

With 58,249 overflows across the South West Water region in 2023 alone lasting a combined duration of 530,736 hours the data provided by SWW reveals an alarming trend in the region, with significant sewage spills occurring repeatedly, affecting the water quality and marine life.

The Safer Seas and Rivers Service supported by Surfers Against Sewage reports that in the past year alone, there have been numerous instances where untreated sewage was discharged into coastal waters and rivers, a dire situation that poses health risks to swimmers and marine fauna alike. 

Amidst public uproar over the environmental and health impacts of these discharges, the financial optics have also come under scrutiny. In its last financial year South West Water’s parent company Pennon Group has paid out more than £100-million in dividends to shareholders and more than £150m in interest to creditors, despite the ongoing environmental issues. This has sparked a broader debate about the priorities and responsibilities of water companies in the UK. 

On top of this sewage dumping, South West Water was also engaged in illegal discharges for which it was fined a paltry £2.1-million last year. This year SWW face another 30 charges of illegal sewage dumping across Cornwall and Plymouth.

The Paddle Out Protest event promises to be a peaceful yet powerful gathering, with participants encouraged to bring surfboards, swimsuits and placards. The protest serves as a critical platform for voicing the community's frustration and urging for substantial investment in infrastructure improvements by water companies to prevent future sewage discharges. 

Surfers Against Sewage is leveraging the momentum of this year's general election and upcoming water company investment plans to push for real change.