HUNDREDS of people gathered to take part in a mass swim in support of a group’s campaign to gain bathing water status for an area of the Stour.
The Safe Water in Manningtree (SWiM) team held a beach picnic event on Saturday, May 27, which included children’s games, live music, a bake sale as well as the group swim.
During the event, a total of 369 people took to the water comprised of swimmers, paddlers, and those on boats.
Helen Whitehead, of the SWiM team, said: “We had a great line up of local musicians, mayor Michelle Taylor presented the award for our kids colouring competition, kids beach games by local trainer Kevin Massey, MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said a few words in support of our application and also joined the group swim.
“We were completely overwhelmed by how many people showed up and got in the water, it was incredible and very moving.
“We’d like to thank everyone who came, it means so much, and especially to Colin, the Commodore of the Stour Sailing club who gave us use of the marquee and Steve from Winyl who lent us his PA and sound equipment and the live acts who all played for free, we appreciate it so much.”
Bathing water status means testing on a weekly basis for human health concerns like E coli and other bacteria.
The tests are conducted during bathing water season which is between May and September.
The SWiM Campaign saw Mermaids Against Sewage begin the process of applying for bathing water status in February.
A full application is set to be submitted in October.
Mr Jenkin said: "I love swimming in the sea, and in rivers and lakes. I have done it all my life. It was a real pleasure to join so many enthusiasts in the water on Saturday in support of the Manningtree Mermaids.
"I support their campaign for bathing water status for Manningtree Beach whole heartedly. Last year, I voted to toughen the fines on water companies that pollute, but we also need to tackle other river polluters, and farmers are striving to improve their practices.
"The water industry recently announced a £10bn programme to reduce sewerage discharges. We must all strive to set much higher standards than we inherited from previous generations.”
An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “We're already working alongside community groups on several rivers in our region who are keen to apply for bathing designations, to help them monitor local water quality and understand other factors which contribute to river health."
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