The government has set out plans to reform the bathing water regulations, saying that the reforms to modernise bathing waters could see swimmers enjoying cleaner water and flexible seasons.

News of the planned shake-up comes as the government confirms applications for new bathing waters in England will re-open in May, the start of the 2025 bathing water season. Prospective sites will be assessed against the government’s newly reformed standards which are set to become law later this year.

The government is also developing plans to expand the definition of ‘bathers’ to include participants in water sports other than swimming, such as paddle boarders and surfers. To make sure that people can enjoy these activities safely, the government will also look to introduce multiple monitoring points at each bathing water location.

The government says it is modernising the outdated bathing water Regulations, to make sure sites are given the right technical and financial support to improve.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

“Bathing water sites are the pride of local communities across the country.

“But safety and cleanliness is paramount, and we must go further and faster to open up our waterways for families to enjoy.

The Government is upgrading outdated regulations so they are fit for purpose. It is also why we are re-opening applications for new bathing sites in England, so that more people have the opportunity to experience the benefits of our beautiful waters.”

Key reforms will include:

• Removing fixed bathing season dates (which currently runs from May to September) from the regulations to allow for a more flexible approach to monitoring, and to better reflect when people use bathing waters.
• Further considering a site’s feasibility to improve, public safety and environmental considerations when applications for new bathing waters are assessed.
• Ending the automatic de-designation of bathing water status after 5 consecutive years of a site being rated ‘poor’, which can damage local tourism and businesses. Instead, underperforming sites will be individually reviewed by regulators, taking into account their unique circumstances.

Following a public consultation, the government says members of the public, environmental groups, farmers, businesses and local authorities showed clear support for modernising bathing water regulations.

The UK and Welsh governments have worked collaboratively and will now look to formally update the regulations in their respective areas this Autumn.

Both Defra and the Welsh governments will work closely with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to ensure the new measures are implemented effectively.

Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England and Wales have over 550 designated bathing waters, which are monitored by the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales. Annual ratings classify each site as ‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘poor’ on the basis of water quality.

Applicants are encouraged to use the upcoming season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed against the government’s newly reformed standards. Defra will publish updated guidance on how to apply for a site to be designated at the start of the bathing water season (15 May 2025). Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.