“Risky Waters: Thames Swim Sparks Urgent Water Quality Assessments Amid Sewage Concerns”

A swimming competition that was cancelled due to worries over pollution is gearing up to introduce testing to inform participants regarding the water quality on the course.

The Boulter’s to Bray Swim along the River Thames in Maidenhead was cancelled last year after the water was deemed unsuitable for swimming.

The event organizers stated that they will employ a laboratory to analyze and publicize the results of the water quality assessments prior to the race scheduled for 2 July.

Participants can choose from a 5km (3.1 mile), 2.8km (1.7 mile), or 1.4km (0.9 mile) course.

Keith Dixon from the Boulter’s to Bray Swim Trust expressed he was “hopeful” that the event would occur on 2 July.

“We have established a system to share the test results with the swimmers, allowing them to make an informed choice about entering the water.”

Nevertheless, he remarked: “Heavy rainfall poses a significant risk as it can lead to overflow from the roads into the river and the discharge of sewage from the facilities located upstream from us… thus, heavy rainfall might lead to a certain cancellation.”

Dating back to the 1890s, the event commences at Boulter’s Lock and takes swimmers beneath two bridges, including the 13-arch Maidenhead Bridge.

This year’s race is expected to open for entries at the end of January, with participant numbers rising from 250 to 300 swimmers.

Thames Water previously stated: “Improving the health of rivers is a primary focus for us, and we are pioneering with our transparent approach to data”.