Hundreds of people turned out in Falmouth yesterday for a mass paddle out at Gyllyngvase Beach as part of protests across the country organised by Surfers Against Sewage.
Posting on Facebook SAS said: Thank you to everyone who came and stood up for our ocean, rivers and lakes yesterday, we have been heard, and we will not stop until sewage is a thing of the past."
The protest was part of a mass paddle-out protest highlighting the issue of sewage pollution, organised by charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), with more than 12 events occurring simultaneously at beaches and rivers across the UK on Saturday, May 20.
At Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth more than 200 people tunred up for the protest, which began at 12pm on the main beach area.
Swimmers, paddlers, surfers, canoers, kayakers, paddle-boarders, windsurfers and others in support of the campaign headed into the water to make their demands heard.
SAS are also urging the public to sign their 'Dirty Money' petition, which demands an end to water companies profiting from pollution.
Speaking yesterday Izzy Ross, SAS campaign manager, said: “On Saturday hundreds of people across the UK will be standing together with one voice for the ocean.
“The SAS team, volunteers and supporters from across Cornwall will be paddling out in protest against sewage pollution at 12pm on Gylly Beach, Falmouth.
“For too long South West Water has been profiting from pollution, neglecting to upkeep sewage infrastructure and pouring dangerous amounts of raw sewage into our water regularly. We only have one ocean, let’s fight for it.
“Come down to the beach this Saturday and join the tidal wave of support to end sewage pollution.”
New survey data released by SAS earlier this month revealed that 85% of Brits support a ban on bonuses for CEOs who fail to adhere to minimum environmental standards, while just one fifth (21%) of UK adults are confident that water companies are using their money to improve services.
Earlier this month it was revealed that South West Water chief executive Susan Davy was joining the CEOs of two other water companies in declining their bonuses this year, saying she understood the “strength of feeling” on river pollution.
A House of Lords committee said in March that water bosses should not receive bonuses while their companies are missing targets and polluting the environment.
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It said “a slurry of under-investment, insufficient government strategy, and inadequate co-ordination” has meant water is not being treated with the care and importance it deserves.
The committee also said the regulator, Ofwat, has failed to ensure companies invest enough money into infrastructure.
The Government has said it is forcing water companies to invest £56 million in updating its infrastructure, much of which is decades old.
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