Five local water users are hosting a national event to protest against the rising level of sewage pollution at Pembrokeshire bathing spots.
Local representatives of water quality charity, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), are hosting an annual ‘Paddle Out Protest’ at Broad Haven (north) on 17th May.
On the same day each year, SAS protests take place all around the UK to combat sewage discharges and other pollutants entering UK seas and rivers. This year, Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire has been chosen as Wales’s flagship, and biggest, event.
SAS representatives Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Lloyd Nelmes and keen local activists Kate J and Kate Evans have teamed up to arrange a whole day of activity at Broad Haven beach for all ages. They urge everyone who recreationally uses the ocean, lakes or rivers to join the protest and make a stand about this important issue for Pembrokeshire.
Starting from midday, drop-in placard making workshops and creative sessions will run at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront, suitable for all ages and free to join. Then, a Beach Clean will take place at 1.30pm.
The main event and Paddle Out Protest begins at 2.30pm. Sian Richardson, founder of global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire’s Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer. They will underline the importance of clean oceans for underwater species, as well as for our own social needs.
A member of Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone, all together, to paddle (or walk) out into the ocean – on surfboards, kayaks, bodyboards, SUPs, or to simply get feet wet in the shallows.
After the Paddle Out, an after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4pm, with huge discounts for those who joined the protest. Attendees can enjoy live music from 5pm and a DJ from 6pm, with a BBQ, local drinks and pizza. Special discount rates have kindly been offered by the business in support of the charity and the local water community.
Ella Staden, Regional Representative for Surfers Against Sewage says, “It’s important that the community comes together to show support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.
“A lot of people in Pembrokeshire have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that’s by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take our families to the beach to enjoy the coastline.
“There’s also a wider worry that our tourism industry may suffer as a result of unclean waters, as well, of course, as the nature that makes this place such a special and wonderful place to live and visit.
“We really urge every single person who cares about the water to come and get involved, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won’t stand it anymore.”
Surfers Against Sewage, founded over 30 years ago, is now much more than just surfers, and about much more than just sewage. It campaigns against all forms of ocean pollutants, putting pressure on governments and MPs to hold water companies to account for the damage they cause.
For more information, please visit the Facebook Event which can be found by searching for ‘Paddle Out Protest Broad Haven’.
Call for Action to Protect Pembrokeshire’s Waters