Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, Jonson Cox, Chair, Ofwat, Emma Howard Boyd, Chair, Environment Agency have issued joint ‘opinion piece’ into the seriousness of sewage pollution and the need for water companies to act immediately to reduce their impact. It’s their most vocal contribution yet in the fight to halt sewage pollution.
The report backs claims by Surfers Against Sewage made since 1990, and largely ignore by water companies in the case of stormwater discharge investment, about bacteria and human health, antibiotic resistant bacteria, but falls short of mentioning other worrying sorts of pollution discharge can affect via contaminants such as chemicals, drugs and hormones.
It’s a big step, the next we assume, and should be, will be legal action.
“viable bacteria and viruses are (discharged) as part of normal operations.
“When bacteria from human faeces (coliforms) are ingested, it increases the risk of significant infections including antibiotic resistant bacteria. Keeping human faeces out of water people might ingest remains a public health priority.’
“the principal public health responsibility for ensuring human faeces and viable human faecal bacteria do not get into waterways people might use recreationally rest squarely with the water companies and their directors.”
“Companies should take the initiative and go faster. Regulators will hold companies to account. It is time for wastewater companies to act.”
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sewage-in-water-a-growing-public-health-problem
If anyone is interested in personal injury law check out
The Carrick V Delaney and Shelley case where High Court judge ordered their local council to reconsider its decision not to issue an abatement order forcing South West Water to halt the continuous sewage pollution of the beach at Porthtowan, near Redruth, Cornwall.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/mothers-win-a-battle-in-war-for-clean-beach-1303146.html
Chris Hines blog on porthtowanbeach.com contains some good info
1. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 79 Statutory Nuisance (e). basically says that if there is a deposit or accumulation that is prejudicial to health or a nuisance then the statutory body shall (no discretion) issue an abatement notice against the polluter. This law was the subject of a successful Judicial Review of Carrick District Council. The case was a key early success and Surfers Against Sewage were heavily involved supporting the claimants and liaising with the lawyers Leigh Day and Co and working with the media. The case is on record as Carrick V Delaney and Shelley and was taken by two amazing women Sarah Delaney and Rachel Shelley who simply wanted to be able to let their children play on the beach without the gross revulsion and/or health risk of sewage related debris being all over the beach. The Judicial Review was at the High Courts in London and set case precedent for the whole of the UK.
2. The Coroner’s Inquest into the tragic death of 8 year old Heather Preen. Heather died of E Coli 0157 poisoning in 1999. Shortly after her death we (at SAS), were contacted by her parents to see if we could support them in anyway. We were also contacted by local surfers who told us of a CSO on the promenade at Dawlish. When we visited the location the CSO was clear and there was a large puddle of water with bits of human faeces and toilet paper that was on the public footpath between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren. The family confirmed that they walked along the footpath and came into contact with the contaminated puddle. We were called and gave evidence at the Coroners Inquest. During the inquest it was concluded that E.Coli 0157 can be found in sewage. The jury returned a verdict of “Death by Misadventure” not “natural causes”. The Coroner recommendations called for:
A national database to be set up to collate and gather information on all cases of E.Coli 0157.
That UV disinfection should be added to the sewage treatment works for Dawlish.
That warning signs be erected at all Combined Sewer Overflows.
A sun-kissed Llantwit Major staged the PuraVida MiPost Senior Welsh National Surfing Championships for only the second time in the event’s history. With the Junior event having already run off in May, the Welsh Surfing Federation took the decision to utilise Llantwit Major over the traditional home of Freshwater West. Competitors were blessed with fun, highly contestable conditions thanks to an unseasonably solid swell. Whilst not quite eclipsing the 2011 epic last held in The Vale, the alternative location once again provided an excellent weekend of high- quality competition.
Held on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June, the Welsh Surfing Federations showpiece took advantage of a decent swell in the Bristol Channel. Competitors were blessed with breezy head-high waves to carve up in front of the judges and the beach-side crowd.
Saturday brought the more challenging conditions of the weekend, with surfers working hard to thread scoring manoeuvres together on solid, wind-battered faces. The day belonged to Gary Lewis (Welsh Coast Surf Club) whose overall tally of 8.93 was enough to win the over 40s Grand Masters final, just ahead of runner-up Greg Owen (WCSC) who clocked 8.37. Lewis, used his momentum to dominate in the over 50s Grand Kahunas final; a score of 11.33 enabled the Welsh Coast Surf Club evergreen to take the crown.
Gary Lewis: “A lot of paddling to do today, but the sun was shining and there were nice waves so I can’t complain. I haven’t been in the contest for 25 years, so I’m a bit rusty but it all worked out in the end – good fun, I think everyone enjoyed it. It’s great to be back and catch up with familiar faces.”
“It feels great to be champion, it’s always nice to get a trophy in the cabinet especially after such a long time out.”
The bodyboarders sorted out the last of the day’s business, with the final taking place in 2-3ft peaks folding over on Pago’s Peak, a super fickle high-tide slab at the eastern end of Llantwit beach breaking in a foot or two of water. Watched on just a few meters away by an enthusiastic crowd who were treated to a gritty display comprising of barrel-rolls onto the ledge and some very short but intense tubes. The closely fought final saw George Bevan nudge Richard Livock to the top of the scoreboard at the final hooter.
George Bevan: “It was great to contest the finals on a sponger’s wave. It was sick! It’s good to have a division here and represent. It was really fun and a good vibe in the water, lovely weather and a great day all round. Awesome day.”
Sunday brough clean shoulder-high surf was the order of the day to settle the four Welsh titles left up for grabs. With the waves building through mid-morning, the Masters final was quite a tussle. James Jones (Langland Board Riders) ran into a ouple of decent rights to post an overall 12.16 and secure the Masters crown. Runner up, Mark Vaughan (Channel Coast Surf Club) missed out by a fin’s breadth, posting 12.00. Porthcawl’s Sam Moore with a combined total of 11.67 only a fraction behind and out of synch Greg Owen.
James Jones: “The pushing tide definitely improved conditions, so there were more open faces available. I tried to be more patient and wait for the better ones. There was a lot on offer out there and I think having priority helped me, and the wind wasn’t too bad.”
Commenting on his victory: “I just like beating Vaughanie to be honest, on home turf too. I don’t care if I come fourth, as long as he comes fifth, that’s literally all it’s about. I’m chuffed with the win. I only decided to enter the contest yesterday and I’m stoked with the win.”
The Women’s Open final saw a real mix of experience as Pembrokeshire’s next generation: Katie David, Indi Lynch and Poppy Owen took on the past champions of Emily Williams and Joanne Denison who between them share 15 Welsh titles! The Pembrokeshire girls showed committed displays and solid surfing over the barnacle covered boulders to prove that the future of Welsh women’s surfing is in good hands. The greater experience of the past champs battled it out for this year’s title, as the final came down to just 0.5 separating North Wales resident Joanne Dennison and Emily Williams of Channel Coast Surf Club. The girls traded off on the longer running rights, Emily’s vertical forehand versus veteran Jo Dennison’s powerful backhand hooks, it was the extra whip of Jo’s attack that was enough to seal the deal with an overall score of 10.9.
Jo Dennison: “The conditions were quite tricky, just like yesterday, but it’s my first- time surfing Llantwit Major so I’m just happy to be here and excited to try a new wave. My first ride was nice but I couldn’t really find another one, but there were some nice should-high runners if you could get on them.”
“I couldn’t defend my title last year, so I’m just really happy with the result.”
The hotly anticipated Welsh Men’s Open final saw current Welsh champion and semi local, Logan Nicol (CCSC)up against the rapid-fire Patrick Langdon-Dark (LBR), first time and quite possibly the youngest ever Open finalist Eli Perrins Davies (CCSC) and quite likely the oldest ever Open finalist Mark Vaughan (CCSC).
With Llantwit’s infamous rip now in full force, fitness, timing and local knowledge proved to be key! In the battle of the ages, Eli took a notable third place finish ahead of veteran Vaughanie, who having made the finals of three categories, had double the heat count of his fellow finalists, and ran out of steam.
This left Wales top two pros to fight it out. Logan’s understanding of Llantwit’s intricacies gave him a slight advantage and saw him get off to a blistering start. Pat answered back quickly but with Logan locking in two solid scores in the opening minutes, Pat was left chasing his lead. With time ticking away Pat was clearly holding out for a tasty wall to attack that just didn’t materialise. A little slice of history was repeated as Logan’s smart and precise surfing was enough to defeat PLD, who had to settle for second spot.
Logan Nicol: “Conditions were really tricky out there. For me, surfing here a lot with a bit of local knowledge definitely helped, but there was a strong rip current, and I just about managed to pick off the right waves and get the job done.” “Thanks so much to everyone, I’m stoked, just so happy. Obviously, my best mate was in the final, so I’m super stoked to come away with the win. It was a hard competition”
he final piece of the weekends action saw the contest switched from the peak known as The Point over to The Left-Hand Side, a right-hand point break, (yes this is the Llantwit, The Right that’s named The Left) for the Men’s Longboard final, which provided a sparkling curtain closer to the Welsh National Surfing Championships.
Finalists Blake Jones (WCSC), Evan Rogers (CCSC), Arran Bright (CCSC) and Elliot Dudley (CCSC) took turns to impress on reeling shoulder-high rights, with plenty of nose-riding and knee-drop turns keeping the judges on their toes. Consistency was key for multiple European longboard champion, Elliot Dudley who took home the gold thanks to a seasoned performance.
Elliot Dudley: “There were definitely some good waves on offer, they were affected a little bit by currents running through and some wind on it, but there were some that really sat up nicely on the reef and doubled up producing some really good waves.
“It took me a while to get into the flow of it; had a couple of shockers, and then the last couple I had, I manged to get my scores up. That’s the good thing about having a 25-minute final, sometimes you run out of time and end up having to do 15- or 20- minute heats, but this contest has been so well organised; it’s great we’ve managed to have 25-minute finals.”
“I couldn’t do the Welsh last year due to injury, so I missed out, and the year before that there was Covid, so I think it’s been three years since my last contest. It feels great to get the title back, I’m stoked!”
In summary the event was a huge success for the WSF and an excellent locational choice given the conditions available over the weekend. It will be hard to prize the Senior Nationals away from Llantwit in the future
Huge thanks go to:
All our competitors and spectators at Llantwit Major for being part of another great Welsh National Surfing Championships.
A massive thank-you also to our sponsors @puravidaboardriders #MiPost and @power_2go for their terrific support.
A big shout of appreciation also to: Christian Surfers Wales; Sport Wales; and WSA (Welsh Sports Association).
Sarah Jones – Vale of Glamorgan Council
Matt Childs and Louis Evans – RNLI
Maria – Llantwit Major Beach café
Llantwit Major Surf Life SAVING Club
Curtis Hancock and all at Channel Coast Surf Club
Rhydian Brewer – Christian Surfers Wales for their unwavering support of Welsh Surfing.
Photographers – Huw Morgan Williams, Pete Bounds, John Dudley and James Bowen.
Web Cast Team – Tom Anderson, Craig Nicol, Dayana Del Puerto, Joshua Vaughan, Tom Anderson, Rob Blythe and Calum Thomas.
Website & Social Media – Sam Johnson, Steve White, Craig Nicol
Priority Team – Sam Moore, Rudi Perrins Davies, Tim Aylett, and Paul Beatle & Joe Lewis
Beach Marshall – Morgan Hendry
WSF Judges – Jamie Bateman, Craig Garvey, Gwen Spurlock, Emily Williams, Curtis Hancock, Rhydian Brewer, Phil Saddler, Mark Vaughan, Tim Aylett Head Judge – Craig Burrows
Refresh Live Scoring – Tim Aylett
Contest Directors – Huw John and Mark Vaughan
Full Results – 2022
Bodyboard
1. George Bevan; 2. Rich Livock; 3. Tai Jackson; 4. George Boucher
Grand Kahunas (over 50s)
1. Gary Lewis (WCSC); 2. Colin Bright (CCSC); 3. Neil Newman (LBR); 4. Craig Burrows (CCSC); 5. Simon Blower (PSC)
Grand Masters (Over 40s)
1. Gary Lewis (WCSC); 2. Greg Owen (WCSC); 3. Simon Page (LBR); 4. Mark Vaughan (CCSC)
Masters (over 35s)
1. James Jones (LBR); 2. Mark Vaughan (CCSC); 3. Sam Moore (WCSC); 4. Greg Owen (WCSC)
Men’s Longboard
1. Elliot Dudley (CCSC); 2. Evan Rogers (CCSC); 3. Arran Bright (CCSC); 4. Blake Jones (WCSC)
Women’s Masters
1. Joanne Dennison
Women’s Open
1. Joanne Dennison, 2. Emily Williams (CCSC); 3. Indi Lynch (PSLSC); 4. Katie David (PSC); 5. Poppy Owen (PSC)
Men’s Open
1. Logan Nicol (CCSC); 2. Patrick Langdon-Dark (LBR); 3. Eli Perrins Davies (CCSC); 4. Mark Vaughan (CCSC)
