Water Minister Emma Hardy announced today that 13 new bathing spots are being proposed across England. If approved following a six-week consultation, the sites at Ham and Kingston will be the first of their kind on the London stretch of the Thames.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: ‘‘Rivers and beaches are at the heart of so many communities – where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely.
‘‘Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people.’’
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: ‘‘I am committed to improving water quality across the Thames and all of the capital’s waterways. Londoners from all backgrounds should be able to swim safely in the city and my upcoming Clean and Healthy Waterways Plan will create safe, welcoming spaces for all Londoners to enjoy.
‘‘It is great to see plans for the first ever designated bathing spot in the River Thames in London and progress being made in creating more sites for open water swimming, as we build a better, greener London for everyone.’’
Claire Robertson, Catchment Manager at environmental charity Thames21, said: ‘‘This is fantastic news not only for the many swimmers who enjoy these sites, but also for the wider community of river users and the wildlife that depend on a healthy river. Healthy rivers benefit everyone, and these designations mark important steps towards improving water quality and protecting precious stretches of the Thames.’’
This comes alongside the government’s generational reform of the water system, which aims to cut water pollution and clean up rivers, lakes, and seas.
Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force on 21st November 2025, designed to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach and more closely reflect how people use beaches, lakes, and rivers.
Designation isn’t just a label—it changes the law. From May to September, the Environment Agency will be legally required to test the water for bacteria. If water quality drops, the public will be warned, and water companies will be under increased pressure to prevent sewage discharges in the area.
Following the consultation, the government will consider responses before confirming which sites will be designated ahead of the 2026 bathing water season.