Hundreds Join Sandown Paddle-Out Protest Calling For Cleaner Seas

More than 70 water users gathered in Sandown Bay on Saturday (16 May) as part of a national day of action calling for urgent reform of the UK’s water system.

Surfers, swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers took to the sea in solidarity as part of Surfers Against Sewage’s Paddle-Out Protests, demanding cleaner waters, an end to sewage pollution and stronger protections for public health and the environment.

The Isle of Wight demonstration was one of more than 50 coordinated protests taking place across the UK, with campaigners arguing the current water system is failing both communities and nature.

Participants in Sandown highlighted growing concern among year-round sea users about sewage discharges into bathing waters and the impact on those regularly using the coast for sport, leisure and wellbeing.

Chani Courtney, Senior Communities Officer at Surfers Against Sewage, said the turnout reflected the strength of feeling locally and nationally.

She said:

“The Island stood up and spoke for our waters. The diversity of water users really highlights the need for all water users to count in designated bathing water sites.”

The protests come amid continued public concern over sewage spills in UK waters, with campaigners highlighting national figures showing hundreds of thousands of discharges recorded in recent years.

Surfers Against Sewage is calling for reform of the privatised water system, stronger investment in long-term environmental solutions, and greater protections for bathing waters used year-round.

The organisation says current proposals do not go far enough and argues this is a critical moment for meaningful change.

Locally, the Sandown turnout reflected a clear message from participants: that coastal waters should be safe, clean and protected for everyone who uses them.