Megaphones, Sparkles and a Beach Disco: A New Way to Show Up for Our Seas

Author Nicky Chisholm

Activism Isn’t What I Thought It Was

When I first heard the word activism, I didn’t think it was for me. I thought it meant being angry, shouting, and standing in confrontation. Loud, aggressive and intense. While that is one form of activism, it is not the whole story. So I started looking into it and trying to find my place.

Finding My Way In

It has taken me a few years to work out how I can best support Surfers Against Sewage, what type of activist I am and where my skill set has the most impact.

I knew I did not want to be shouting through a megaphone at a political rally, gluing my hands to the M25 or living up a tree. But I am more than happy to use a megaphone to get 500 women into a group photo on the beach. I am very happy gluing sparkles to my cheeks. And I am fine living it up on the beach, dancing to I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan on International Women’s Day.

I found my way in, one wet suited, booted step at a time.

I slowly realised that activism does not belong to one type of person. It shows up in many ways through testing water quality, designing sustainable products, leading community projects, making outdoor spaces more accessible, sharing knowledge, going into schools, fundraising and meeting MPs.

Different paths, one shared purpose.

You might not call yourself an activist, but you might already be one. See if you can spot yourself.

10 Types of Activists Plus Me at Number 11

The Grassroots Activist works at a local level, bringing people together to act where it matters most. This could be organising a beach clean, starting a local swim group or supporting a community campaign.
The Online Activist uses social media to raise awareness and amplify important messages. This might be sharing water quality updates, supporting campaigns or telling stories that need to be heard.
The Direct-Action Activist takes part in visible actions to bring attention to urgent issues. This includes protests, marches and paddle outs that make the issue impossible to ignore.
The Environmental Activist focuses on protecting our seas, rivers and waterways. This might be supporting campaigns, reducing pollution in daily life or taking part in environmental projects.
The Human Rights Advocate understands that clean water, access to nature and a safe environment are fundamental to people’s health and wellbeing.
The Conscious Consumer uses spending power to support ethical brands and challenge those contributing to environmental damage.
The Political Activist engages with decision making by signing petitions, contacting MPs and supporting environmental policies.
The Creative Activist uses art, writing, photography or storytelling to inspire change and help people connect emotionally with the issue.
The Civil Disobedience Activist challenges systems by refusing to accept unjust rules and taking part in non-violent disruption to demand change.
The Connector brings people together, builds communities and creates momentum.
The Disco Ball. I made this one up because it fits me. It combines lots of the above and adds a fun sparkly twist. Activism stopped feeling like something scary once I found a way to make it fit my energy, my passions and my skills. The Big Swim and The Big Swim Collective sit firmly in this space.

Feel free to make up your own and send it to me. I will happily add it to the list.

What Does Disco Ball Activism Look Like For Me:

The Big Swim – annual sea swimming event in Brighton

On International Women’s Day 2026, over 1200 women gathered in Brighton and Poole to enter the sea together. They came with banners, with purpose and because they care. It was not just a swim. It was visibility, community and a shared message that this ocean advocacy matters. People turned up in fancy dress, sparkles, as sea monsters, mermaids, we had choirs, a rapper and dancing not to mention a family of sunflowers and flamingos!

The Big Swim became more than an event. It became a collective act of ocean advocacy, showing how many people care about clean water and are willing to stand up for it.

That moment did not end when everyone left the beach. It evolved into The Big Swim Collective.

The Big Swim Collective

The Big Swim Collective is a blog platform which will feature 12 stories that turns The Big Swim event into a year-long movement for ocean advocacy, sharing real experiences from women taking action to protect the sea. We want to show that activism doesn’t have to be radical or intimidating.

It can happen in many ways through many different approaches, everyday actions, connection and a shared love for the ocean. As well as the 12 featured posts we are also looking for community submissions.

What Can You Do Now

Join the UK wide Paddle Out Protest

If you are wondering where to start, this is a simple one.

On May 16th, Surfers Against Sewage are organising Paddle Out Protests across the UK, bringing communities together on beaches, in the sea and along our waterways to demand an end to sewage pollution.

You do not need experience. You do not need to be an activist. You just need to show up.

Find your nearest event and be part of your very first protest – it’s fun, family friendly and keeps the pressure on the Government.

Across the country, Surfers Against Sewage has over 250 reps, each with their own way of showing up.

Different paths, one shared purpose.

Because activism does not have to be loud to be powerful. It can be steady, thoughtful, collective and just a little bit sparkly.

Over and out from your very own Disco Ball Activist ✨

This Blog is dedicated to the Brighton Reps Team

HQ Rep @wild_ocean_soul @lowwastedaisyv, @miss.delamare, @atlanta.cook, Anna Ruby , @andrew.colemansas, @bmore_jesse, @goode_z, @stu_daviesuk @cjpotter

Photos in cover photo

1 Lucy, South Wales: Dip a Day fundraising embracing daily fancy dress outfits

2 Daisy, Brighton: Monthly Beach Cleans

3 Becky, Brighton: Fundraising, cycling dressed as a Poo

4 Doris, Dot and Daisy. SAS only wooden activists – helping advertise the Brighton Paddle out Protest. Artist Debbie Lawrence

5 Stu Davies, Brighton: Podcast Host – A Drop in the ocean

6 Helen, Southwest London: Created Poo Bunting

7 Kate, Pembrokeshire : Organises the local Paddle Out Protest

8 The Big Swim Photo

9 Jo Godden our very first story in the big swim collective