Rutland Water will see the introduction of two new sites for bathing this spring.

Following a two-week public consultation, Rutland Water's Whitwell Creek and Sykes Lane beach will officially become bathing sites ahead of the 2023 season.

On top of the two sites at Rutland Water, Firestone Bay in Plymouth and a section of the River Deben at Waldringfield, have also been announced as bathing sites for public swimming.

The introduction of these sites will take the total number of bathing waters across the country to 424, the highest number ever.

Wild and open water swimming is on the rise, the BBC dubbing it an "antidote to pandemic loneliness, outdoor swimming groups shine the light on the pastime's potential mental and physical health benefits."

Swimmers have previously encountered limitations at Rutland Water due to water safety, the presence of algae, and restrictions put in place due to the use of sailing and motor propelled vessels.

However, safety measures, including more rigorous care and testing, has seen this change.

The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels, working with local communities, farmers and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.

Water Minister Rebecca Pow said: "These popular swimming spots will now undergo regular monitoring, starting this May, so bathers have up-to-date information on the quality of the water.

"The regular monitoring also means that action can be taken if minimum standards aren't being met.

"We now have more bathing waters than ever, and we've worked hard in recent years to boost their status – with an incredible 93% now classed as good or excellent – and our new Plan for Water will help us go further and faster on our targets."

Will you be out swimming in the reservoir this summer?

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