SCUBA Editor Simon Rogerson joined BSAC members and thousands of other clean water protesters in Westminster
UKDIVING
The March for Clean Water
SCUBA Editor Simon Rogerson joined BSAC members and thousands of other clean water protesters in Westminster
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Is there a precedent for BSAC members joining a nationally-organised protest with the support of the club ’ s leadership ? It is an indication of the depth of outrage at the state of the UK ’ s waterways that our participation in the March for Clean Water was unquestioned . While the issue hasn ’ t been politicised within BSAC , the slowly unfolding disaster of our polluted waterways has prompted many of us to
Clidive branch represent anger , and so to protest .
The march took place in Westminster on Sunday 3 November , taking the form of a procession from the Albert Embankment to Parliament Square , where a rally was held . It came at a time of crisis in the nation ’ s water management . In 2023 , there were 3.6 million hours of sewage spills , more than double the total hours of spills from 2022 . On average in 2023 , there were 1,271 spills a day across England , compared to 825 in 2022 .
BSAC members constituted a small but significant contingent , with club representatives joining 140 organisations from across the nation . Overall , there was a carnival atmosphere , plenty of sewagethemed placards and some outlandish costumes . The mood was further enhanced by two drummer bands , who kept the momentum going as the protest made its way peacefully across the Thames at Westminster Bridge .
While the march was good-natured , the frustration of the participants was palpable . A significant number of the people I spoke to were calling for the nationalisation of the water network . While that measure seems politically unlikely at the present time , it may yet become a more