Written Question · S7W-01914 · Session 7
In light of the reported increase in year-round participation in outdoor water activities, including swimming, surfing, paddling and kayaki…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported increase in year-round participation in outdoor water activities, including swimming, surfing, paddling and kayaking, and the bathing water monitoring season running from 1 June to 15 September, what (a) its position is on extending the season and (b) analysis it has carried out of what public health benefits might arise from providing official water quality monitoring and information outside the current monitoring period.
The answer
Areas where large number of bathers are expected to use the water are designated as Bathing Waters for the protection of public health. This is typically throughout the summer months. SEPA convenes a Bathing Water Panel each year which makes recommendations on the duration of the bathing season and we would welcome any evidence, such as user surveys, of large numbers of bathers outside of the traditional bathing season (1 June – 15 September) to inform future decisions.We have not undertaken analysis of the public health benefits of extending the bathing season.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-01914 by reference.