SEWAGE PROTESTERS FLOCK TO BEACHES

THOUSANDS of passionate water users gathered at beaches, rivers and lakes across the UK yesterday to take a stand against sewage pollution - including at two beaches in Wales.

- LOIS MCCARTHY

The Paddle-Out protests, organised by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), saw people of all ages uniting to demand urgent action.

Newton Beach in Porthcawl and Broad Haven Beach were among more than 40 locations across the UK that saw crowds paddle out into the water, their voices and placards raised against the pollution.

Wales On Sunday spoke with several protesters ahead of the event.

For Alun Moseley, a lifelong surfer and surf instructor from Baglan, the issue of sewage pollution is personal.

He said: “I’ve been lucky enough to surf all over the Welsh coastline and beyond but there's always this nagging feeling that the water is polluted. Having spent so much time in the sea, I've experienced sickness and skin irritation myself. And as an instructor, I've had to cancel so many classes for kids who are eager to surf, just because the water isn’t safe.”

For Alun and countless others, the fight against sewage pollution is not just about cleaner waters - it's about reclaiming a space that should be safe, healing and enjoyable for everyone.