SCUBAHUB
BSAC National Diving Officer , Sophie Rennie ( seated , 2nd from left ) with other new partners of the Clean Water Sports Alliance
Joining the call for clean water
BSAC HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY WELCOMED as one of the latest members of the Clean Water Sports Alliance ( CWSA ), adding to the growing call for clean and safe waters for all users .
National Diving Officer Sophie Rennie represented BSAC at a welcome event at the recent Southampton International Boat Show , alongside three other new alliance members , Surfing England , British Kitesport and the British Dragon Boat Racing Association .
Established in April , CWSA is calling for change to protect UK waters by demanding stronger action from the government and industry to address water pollution . The alliance is now working to three priorities :
■ Further and faster action on pollution . Improving the health of UK waters by 2030 .
■ Enable people to make real-time informed choices about where and when to participate in water-based sports and activities .
■ Recognition of all recreational water users across decision making and policy .
As well as welcoming new members , the CWSA has already engaged with major water companies such as Severn Trent Water and their trade body Water UK , and shared collective data and expertise on issues including water testing .
Speaking on joining the CSWA , BSAC Chief
Executive , Mary Tetley said the collective campaign for clean water was crucial .
“ Our divers rely on these blue spaces , and it ’ s our responsibility to protect them . We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder , adventure , and tranquillity our UK waters offer . That ’ s why we ’ re joining forces with our partners to demand stronger action from the government and industry to address water pollution .”
The Alliance has welcomed the Secretary of State ’ s announcement of the new Water ( Special Measures ) Bill and promise of further reform ; however they have emphasized that the “ real work starts now ”.
The Alliance will now engage with on-going discussions with Ministers and Officials to ensure that plans for the industry meet the demands of their members for safe , clean environments where they can enjoy being on , in or under the water .
March for Clean Water reminder
THE UPCOMING MARCH FOR CLEAN WATER has been rescheduled from 26 October to Sunday , 3 November , meaning there is still time to take part .
BSAC will be joining marchers in London ( timings TBC ) on the new 3 November date as part of a coalition of environmentalists , community groups , water sports governing bodies , individuals and more who are fed up and agree about the state of Britain ' s waters and the lack of action to restore them to health .
The march has been rescheduled due to an unrelated protest march that has been announced for the original date .
Coordinated by River Action , the coalition is now calling on everyone to demand that our new government takes urgent action to address the UK ’ s alarming and dangerous water pollution crisis by marching through Central London on 3 November . BSAC clubs , members , friends and family are encouraged to attend and help BSAC make a real impression on the day of why our waterways and oceans matter .
For more information on the rescheduled March for Clean Water and to register go to www . marchforcleanwater . org
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