Wax up those surfboards. Paint those placards. Grab those rafts. Whether you get in the water to paddle out / paddle in or protest with us from the shore, we will be coming together for a national day of action and showing the Government, the regulators and the water companies that we will not stand for another summer of swimming in sh*t.
This year, SAS will use the Paddle-Out Protests as a moment to galvanise all water loving communities across the UK to come together to spotlight the current issues in the water industry. Whether that is to highlight the lack of transparency in Scotland and put pressure on newly elected representatives following the elections, spotlighting lack of data in Northern Ireland or shouting about the Water Bill that could change the way the water industry is run in England and Wales.
Our Paddle-Outs will involve local communities coming together to protest in the very space we want to protect – the water. Whether you’re planning to paddle out in the ocean, a river or protest with your toes in the sand, everyone is welcome to join in, in a way that suits them. Let’s stand together against sewage pollution.
The Paddle-Out Protests form part of our vital ongoing campaigning, putting pressure on The Government, Water Companies and the regulators to end to the sewage scandal!
This year, we have a unique opportunity to influence a huge change within the water industry.
In England and Wales, the Government will be bringing in a new Water Bill, but we know what they are proposing will be in the bill, is not good enough. We need to use this moment to show them the huge groundswell of support behind the campaign to end sewage pollution.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are battling a huge lack of data transparency which is leaving us to play sickness roulette every time we get in the water. The Paddle-Out Protests will take place shortly after newly elected representatives are in place and its the perfect opportunity to show them huge groundswell of support behind the campaign to end sewage pollution.
No matter where you are in the UK, there is a reason to paddle out and protest!
Surfers Against Sewage are hosting a National Day of Action on Saturday 16th May 2026. Protest locations are being confirmed and will be released soon.
We’ll be adding confirmed Paddle-Out Protest locations to our interactive map as they’re announced, making it easy to find an event near you. Keep an eye on the map for the latest updates as we build towards the Paddle-Outs next month.
You can explore our Paddle-Out map here: Paddle-Out Protests 2026 – Surfers Against Sewage
YES! You don’t have to get in the water to join in with our national day of action.
Whether you protest from the shore OR paddle out, we want people from all corners of the nation to come together and show the Government, the regulators and those profiting polluters the tidal wave of support for an end to sewage pollution. We are more than surfers, more than sewage.
You can paddle out on a raft, row in a boat or swim with a float – how you chose to get in the water is up to you! Some locations may also have free or discounted equipment to hire to help you get on the water.
It’s great that you want to stand up against sewage pollution and get involved with running your own protest. We know there is still so much to be done to tackle the sewage scandal and people power will have a huge impact on creating change.
Please contact paddleout@sas.org.uk for more information.
If you are paddling out, you will need to bring something you are comfortable paddling out in (swimsuits / wetsuits / gloves /boots / hoods) bearing in mind the water temperatures and how long you are hoping to spend in the water. Additionally, if you have one and are able to bring it with you, surfboards, paddle boards, floats and rafts are encouraged.
Taking into consideration the weather and water / air temperature on the day of the protests, if you are entering the water you will need suitable clothing to put on after the paddle out has taken place.
You should also bring any food or drink needed for the day as facilities will vary depending on protest location.
Make sure you check your local protests Facebook event page for more info and details!
In the event of extremely heavy rainfall, there will be a higher risk of a sewage overflow event. Both rainfall and sewage overflows (using the Safer Seas and River Service App) will be monitored on the days leading up to the paddle out protest and on the day.
Protests will take place on the shore if it is not safe enough for the protest to take place in the water.
Make sure you check your local protests Facebook event page for any updates!
Individual protest organisers will have conducted a safety briefing for their protest location. Please follow advice given on the day.
If the swell / currents are considered too dangerous for the paddle out protest, the protests will still take place on the shore.
In the event of extremely heavy rainfall, there will be a higher risk of dangerously strong river flow and/or a sewage overflow events. Both rainfall and sewage overflows (using the Safer Seas and River Service App) will be monitored on the days leading up to the paddle out protest and on the day.
Make sure you check your local protests Facebook event page for any updates!
At SAS, it’s important to us that everyone can join in the fight for our ocean. We want our Paddle-Out Protests to be accessible to everyone and attract the largest and most diverse audience possible. We therefore want to operate where we can, at locations with easy access, parking and facilities. In addition, the protest should have a land based element alongside every Paddle-Out for those who don’t want to, or can’t, get in the water. This aspect of the protest has equal value to the Paddle-Out itself and every single person who comes along to stand up to #endsewagepollution matters.
