South West joins 'paddle out demos' to call for cleaner seas and rivers

The demo is in protest at water pollution

An image from last year's paddle out protest in Exmouth
Author: Andrew KayPublished 16th May 2026

Weston-super-Mare and Bristol will all join a national 'Paddle-Out' protest today to call for an end to sewage pollution.

The event, organised by campaign group Surfers Against Sewage, sees 'communities come together to demand cleaner seas and accountability from water companies and government'.

"We’re angry that raw sewage is still going into our waterways," said a spokesperson for the Bristol protset.

"Even when the devasting effects it has on humans and nature are very well known. Profit always seems to come before people, and we’ve had enough."

The paddle out protest begins in Bristol at 10am and on Weston-super-Mare beach at 11:30am.

For more information click here

A spokesperson for Surfers Against Sewage said: "A Paddle-Out Protest is a powerful, visible act of defiance. Across the UK on May 16, thousands of people will gather for community-led protests in the very place we all want to protect: the water.

"Everyone is welcome to take part in a way that suits them. Whether that's paddling out on a board, floating in the water, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the shore, or simply dipping your toes in the sand. No experience needed. No special equipment required. Just bring yourself, a placard and a board if you have one!"

South West England locations

Falmouth – Gylly Beach

Croyde – Croyde Beach

West Bay – East Beach

Exmouth – Exmouth Beach

Colyton – Branscombe Beach

Lyme Regis – Sandy Beach

Seaton – Seaton Beach

Noss Mayo – Pope’s Quay

Bristol – Baltic Wharf

Plymouth – Tinside Beach

Weston-Super-Mare – Marine Lake

Sidmouth, Town Beach

Taunton, River Tone, French Weir Park

Coastgaurd Beach, Mothecombe

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