WILD swimmers who are making progress in obtaining bathing water status for part of the river Stour are set to host a beach picnic.

The Safe Water in Manningtree (SWIM) Campaign saw Mermaids Against Sewage begin the process of applying for bathing water status in February.

A full application is set to be submitted in October.

Helen Whitehead, of SWIM, said: “The campaign has been extremely busy and has been going very well, it’s been a huge group effort and everyone has really pulled together.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the community however there is still loads to do.

READ MORE >> Manningtree wild swimmers apply for bathing water status

“We need people to complete our online survey and to get in the water on count days.”

Bathing water status means testing on a weekly basis for human health concerns like E. coli and other bacteria.

The tests are conducted during bathing water season, which is between May and September.

Following the first year of approval, a test is conducted to see if the water quality is sufficient, from then onwards weekly data should be provided on water quality.

To get bathing water status, applicants need to provide user surveys carried out in season and involve getting swimmers, paddling children and other beach users.

SWIM does this through its count days, which run in tandem with its fun community events.

The group has also been touring primary schools doing assemblies about the mermaids, the SWiM campaign and sewage pollution.

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Helen added: “The bathing water season opened on May 15, so we have launched our water user count, which is probably the most important part of our application.

“We need to count on a minimum of 20 days, including ten weekend or bank holiday days, with half the count days being during school holidays.”

The group is set to host its beach picnic and group swim which will include children’s games, a bake sale and live music.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 27, from 4.30pm in Manningtree Beach.

For more information email mermaidsagainstsewage@gmail.com and to complete the survey visit bit.ly/3BYWjCZ