Thousands more waterways in England used recreationally than previously recorded, data finds

Analysis finds 3,347 locations used for swimming, rowing and paddleboarding but government has identified just 342

Thousands more waterways are being used for swimming and boating in England than previously recorded, new data reveals.

A wide-ranging government analysis of the ways that England’s waterways are used for recreation has found 3,347 “water recreation locations” in rivers, lakes and seas around the country. These are places where people take part in activities including swimming, rowing and paddleboarding. The Environment Agency had previously identified 342.