Science · 15 May 2026
12 of 14 river sites unsafe for swimming
Unsplash / Jordan Whitfield
Swimmers are advised against entering nearly all England's river bathing sites due to concerns about unsafe water quality. The Environment Agency tested 14 inland river locations last year, finding 12 had "poor" water from bacteria contamination. This Friday marks the opening of 13 new bathing sites, including the first on the River Thames in London, for regular monitoring.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs