Wild swimmers dive in for reservoir protest

A vast number of wild swimmers have staged a protest, ignoring rules and regulations by swimming in a "dangerous" Somerset reservoir.

- Emilia Randall

Nearly 100 people descended upon Chew Valley Lake in Somerset on Sunday morning for a swim trespass event organised by the Outdoor Swimming Society.

Owned by Bristol Water, the reservoir is not just operational and active but also considered a special protection area, a site of special scientific interest, and a site of nature conservation importance.

A representative for Bristol Water said: “We recognise the right to protest peacefully, however we need to stress the reason we don’t allow swimming at our reservoirs and lakes is because it is very dangerous. Our reservoirs are active operational sites supplying water to our region. They contain deep, cold water and hidden hazards like strong currents below the surface.”

But lead protest organiser Kate Rew said the group wants to achieve sanctioned reservoir swimming nationwide.