30-04-2025
Paddle Out Protest set to take place in Pembrokeshire
The 'Paddle Out Protest', organised by local representatives of the water quality charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), will be held at Broad Haven (north) on May 17.
The protest is part of an annual nationwide initiative by SAS to combat sewage discharges and other pollutants entering UK seas and rivers.
This year, Broad Haven has been chosen as Wales's flagship and biggest event.
SAS representatives Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Lloyd Nelmes, and local activists Kate J and Kate Evans have organised a full day of activities at Broad Haven beach.
They are urging all recreational users of the ocean, lakes, or rivers to join the protest and highlight this pressing issue for Pembrokeshire.
The day will kick off at midday with drop-in placard-making workshops and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (recently rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront.
A beach clean will then take place at 1.30pm.
The main event, the Paddle Out Protest, will begin at 2.30pm.
Sian Richardson, founder of the global Bluetits movement and advocate for community cold-water bathing, will give a short speech, followed by Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire's Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer.
A member of the Surfers Against Sewage national team will then lead everyone to paddle out into the ocean.
An after-party at Sunshine Italian (Rwts) will start at 4pm, with discounts for those who joined the protest.
Attendees can enjoy live music from 5pm and a DJ from 6pm, with a BBQ, local drinks, and pizza.
Ella Staden, regional representative for Surfers Against Sewage, said: "It's important that the community comes together to show support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag Beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.
"A lot of people in Pembrokeshire have been impacted by sewage overspills, whether that's by getting ill, not being able to do water activities or to take our families to the beach to enjoy the coastline.
"We really urge every single person who cares about the water to come and get involved, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won't stand it anymore."
For more information, visit the Facebook event by searching for 'Paddle Out Protest Broad Haven'.
