But who’s in the water—and who’s missing? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Hey John,

If you’ve ever felt the pull of the sea—whether surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, or dipping your toes—you’ll know how quickly that connection turns into care. 🌊

Our research confirms it: taking part in ocean sports sparks activism, advocacy and conservation. For many of you, that connection is why you joined us—and why you’re still fighting for clean, safe seas. ✊

But our findings also reveal a harder truth: not everyone gets the same chance to feel that connection to the water. And that means there is work to do.

SEE WHAT WE DISCOVERED

Here's what stood out:

Paddleboarding with a disability

Participation in ocean sports is not equal

Over 10 million people in the UK took part in water sports last year. But women, people of colour, disabled people, low-income groups, and LGBTQ+ communities still face real barriers.

DIVE INTO THE DETAILS

Urban water quality testing

Access isn’t just about location

It’s about affordability, safety, representation, and feeling welcome.

SEE OUR FINDINGS

Crowds of people protesting in the water

Inclusivity = people power

When barriers are broken down, more people discover the water—and join the fight to protect it.

READ THE REPORT

Paddle out protest in Brighton

We have work to do

That means making our campaigns, events, and leadership more inclusive; using imagery and stories that reflect the diversity of ocean lovers; and creating more opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect with the water and join the fight for its future.

If we truly want to protect the ocean for everyone, we need to understand everyone’s place in it.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Simply reply to this email with any ideas or feedback you have on our findings.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us, John. 🌊

Yvette

EDI Manager
Surfers Against Sewage

Surfers Against Sewage

Wheal Kitty Workshops, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RD
Tel: 01872 553 001

Surfers Against Sewage is a national marine conservation and campaigning charity that inspires, unites, and empowers communities to take action to protect oceans, beaches, waves, and wildlife.

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