"We are sick of it" - Surfers Against Sewage to hold paddle out protests across the UK - including in Hampshire

On May 16 Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) will be undertaking paddle out protests against water companies discharging sewage into rivers and and the ocean. Two Hampshire ocean lovers have come together to arrange a protest in Lee-on-the-Solent near the shack on Hill Head Beach.

Michelle Williams, from Portchester, and Becki Perryman, of Bishops Waltham, had not met before both applied to SAS to organise the Lee-on-the-Solent protest. Their shared frustration at what is happening to the waters near their home has seen them join forces as they hope to encourage as many people to attend the protest in May.

Michelle has always been a lover of the sea, swimming year round as well as enjoying paddle-boarding and surfing. She has seen the impact that sewage discharges have had on local waters, especially at the start of this year where heavy rain led to numerous storm overflows from Southern Water.

The 40-year-old said: “In February this year, I don’t think there were any days that were safe to enter the water. I look everyday before I go in and to me it seems it’s not getting any better, despite Southern Water saying it is.”

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While sewage discharges have been in the headlines for a number of years, awareness and anger has come to the fore again following the release of the Channel 4 docudrama series Dirty Business. The series covers a decade long investigation by two neighbours into the sewage contaminated waters in their local area.

Michelle said: “There is a lot more awareness now with Dirty Business and we are hoping to increase that again with the paddle out. We would like to see it bring a change with Southern Water and we hope they will have a representative there on the day. So raising awareness and bringing change is the main aim of the paddle out.”

The protest has been listed on social media and has already garnered a large interest from people wanting to attend. The post states: “On May 16, the UK will take to the water, the shorelines and riverbanks in bigger numbers than ever before. SAS’s biggest national day of action will see communities across the UK coming together, united with one demand. To end sewage pollution.

“Because up and down the UK sewage is still being dumped in our waterways, data is missing and we are paying the price. We are sick of it. Save the date and join us to demand action to be taken. Let's make this big.

“Come as you are, or bring a paddleboard etc if you would like. Whether you want to join us in the water or by the shoreline with your support/placards, all are encouraged.”

The protest is taking place 11am on May 16 with attendees meeting at The Shack on Hill Head Beach. More details can be found here.

A Southern Water spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns of Surfers Against Sewage and those who are taking part in this year’s Paddle Out Protest. Like our customers, we care deeply about the health of our rivers and seas, and we’re investing significantly to improve it.

“We’re into the second year of our £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan which is already starting to make a difference. 700 storm overflows across our region were prevented last year and we anticipate a further 700 will be prevented this year.

“In Hampshire, we’re investing £170m in areas including Portsmouth Harbour, Fareham and Gosport, to reduce storm overflows and over the next five years we will have invested £340m on this.”