South West Water has launched a new expert-led forum, in partnership with the University of Exeter, aimed at improving the safety and quality of designated bathing waters across the South West of England.
The Safe to Swim Forum has been established through the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) and brings together scientists, public health specialists, regulators, water companies and local authorities. The initiative is designed to support evidence-led approaches to bathing water management through collaboration, research and improved data use.
A core focus of the forum is improving how risks from harmful bacteria in bathing waters are assessed and communicated. Members are examining how modern scientific techniques, enhanced monitoring and clearer guidance can help the public better understand when and where it is safe to swim.
The forum recently held its inaugural meeting, with participation from representatives at the Environment Agency, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Newcastle University, the University of Exeter, Devon & Torbay Combined Authority and Northumbrian Water.
Addressing emerging challenges
Discussions highlighted several challenges facing bathing waters in the region, including monitoring frameworks that have remained largely unchanged since the 1980s, fragmented datasets, and increasing recreational use of coastal waters.
Forum members explored how real-time monitoring, region-specific data and improved modelling could strengthen risk assessments, inform public decision-making and reduce unnecessary beach restrictions, while maintaining appropriate protections for public health.
The group also acknowledged the social and economic importance of clean, safe bathing waters, particularly their role in supporting tourism, local economies and community wellbeing across coastal areas.
Next steps for the Safe to Swim Forum
Following its first meeting, the forum is now focused on translating discussion into practical outcomes. Planned areas of work include:
- Developing a roadmap to modernise bathing water management across the South West
- Supporting research and innovation, including CREWW-led studies and advanced monitoring technologies
- Improving public access to clear, timely and local bathing water information
- Strengthening collaboration and knowledge-sharing between regulators, academics, water companies and local authorities
Andrew Garard, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary at South West Water and a CREWW Board Member, said: “The Safe to Swim Forum is about bringing the very best scientific minds together to plan for a future where people are informed about their bathing waters and can enjoy swimming safely.
“By combining research, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure our beaches remain clean, safe, and resilient for generations to come.”
Sean Anstee, Director of Operations at Devon & Torbay Combined Authority, added: “The visitor economy supports around 33,000 jobs across Devon and Torbay, and our natural environment is central to both wellbeing and tourism.
“The Safe to Swim Forum provided an opportunity to discuss the link between the socio-economic benefits of clean bathing waters alongside the advances in real-time water quality monitoring, helping people make informed decisions.”
Professor Richard Brazier, Director of CREWW at the University of Exeter, said: “High-resolution, near real-time understanding of bathing water quality is within our grasp if we bring together innovative ways to monitor and model the waters we enjoy around the UK coastline.
“Sharing up-to-date information to support safe swimming and targeted management interventions will be a major outcome of the forum’s evidence-based work.”
