Bristol Harbour swimming ban to be lifted again in spring

People will soon be able to legally swim in a city's harbour when open water sessions return in the spring.

Bristol City Council (BCC) will deliver regular supervised swimming sessions at Bristol Harbour over the next two years, starting in April.

It follows a lengthy campaign and the success of two pilots in 2023.

John Palmer, leader of campaign group Swim Bristol Harbour, said it was a "massive step forward for wild swimmers in the region".

"After four years, it's great to see Bristol City Council on board. It will make our city and our lives even better," he added.

Around 1,200 swimmers took part in the pilot sessions at Baltic Wharf during spring and autumn 2023.

The hour-long sessions cost users £7 and the council said the scheme was cost neutral to deliver.

The sessions had safety measures in place including a clearly marked swim course, lifeguards, safety boats and regular water quality testing.

BCC warned there were a number of significant risks associated with open-water swimming in Bristol without professional supervision.

A council spokesperson said: "These include cold water shock, getting hit by one of the many boats or other watercraft moving up and down the waterway, hazardous or discarded objects under the water, occasional very strong currents due to tides, and the risk of illness and infection.

"This is why many open water areas in Bristol have bylaws which prohibit swimming."

Mr Palmer said he hoped the council would continue to allow swimming sessions beyond the initial two-year scheme.

Swim Bristol Harbour said the group planned to bid for a contract to run swimming sessions, which would be "as inclusive as possible".

Swimming at Conham River Park and Hanham Lock will still be banned under the council's 2009 bylaws.

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