Photo credit: Simon Rogerson
BSAC and its partners in the Clean Water Sports Alliance turned up in full force at the Albert Embankment on Sunday, 3 November to join the March for Clean Water, a peaceful event which called 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.
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.
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. Learn more about the Clean Water Sports Alliance
