Bristol wild swimming campaign group is set to launch charter

A group of wild swimmers campaigning for Designated Bathing Water Status (DBWS) in the River Avon launch a book at a community event.

Conham Bathing is calling for the bylaw to be established along a stretch of river between Eastwood Farm and Conham River Park in Bristol.

They have created Rave on the Avon, a feature-length documentary following their campaign and the creation of the Thriving Avon Charter, which sets out ways in which they believe people can help improve the river.

“We will keep shouting, delegating and swimming until our rivers are healthy again,” said film director and campaign group member Charlotte Sawyer.

Rave on the Avon has already been screened in the community and its final presentation will take place at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol on Saturday.

There will also be workshops exploring policy recommendations with river wardens and local councillors, with Conham Bathing hoping the day will inspire other campaign groups.

Em Nicol, Eva Perrin and Becca Blease formed the group in 2021 and launched a petition calling for DBWS the following year.

In areas that are granted the status, the Environment Agency tests the water once a week for harmful bacteria during the peak swimming season – May to September.

When poor water quality is detected, improvement measures are taken.

Bristol City Council voted unanimously to amend a bylaw banning swimming in the area, but former mayor Marvin Rees vetoed the decision, citing risks of cold water shock, disease and infection and waterway traffic.

The group’s work has been supported by former Bristol Mayor George Ferguson and comedian and actor Jayde Adams.

“In these difficult times, people from all walks of life rely on open water for their mental health and it’s something that deserves to be behind,” Ms Adams said.

Ms Sawyer said the film “shows how much rivers mean to people”.

“It is our actions, ordinary people, that convey the urgency of this problem.”