Latest news with #paddleout
The Independent
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Thousands turn out for paddle out protests over ‘sewage scandal'
Thousands of people voiced their anger of the spilling sewage into UK waters at dozens of 'paddle out' protests held across the country. At more than 40 beaches, rivers and lakes across the UK, people armed with boards and placards take to the water to demand urgent reform of the water industry in events organised by the campaign group Surfers Against Sewage. It comes as new Opinium polling suggested that fewer than one in five people believe they will able to swim safely at their local bathing spot by 2030 without risking their health as a result of sewage pollution. And the survey of 2,000 people found just 21 per cent of respondents trusted the government to ensure water suppliers reduce sewage spills, with more than half a million discharges into our seas, lakes and rivers in 2024. Data released by the Environment Agency in March showed water companies released a record amount of raw sewage into England's rivers and seas last year. The Independent Water Commission is currently reviewing its evidence before making recommendations to government on reforming the water industry. Stuart Davies, an organiser of the Brighton protest, said: 'We are paddling out because we seem to be in the same place each year. We see record levels of sewage pollution in our blue spaces, especially here on the south coast. 'Many a time, I have been personally affected. I can't go sea swimming. I can't go surfing. I also volunteer for the Wave Project which provides surf therapy for young people. That's been cancelled a few times, and we couldn't go in the water. It makes me extremely angry. 'We are paddling out in protest of the scandal and to call for total reform of the water industry.' The Independent recently donated £20,000 to Surfers Against Sewage to help support the group's work, as new figures revealed the number of beauty spots deemed unfit for swimming because of sewage had doubled in a year. Of England's 451 protected bathing spots, 37 are now rated as poor – the lowest category – because they contain unsafe levels of potentially deadly bacteria, including E coli and intestinal enterococci, due to sewage spills.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Coronado paddle out honors fallen Navy SEAL
(FOX 5/KUSI) — A paddle out event took place in Coronado on Saturday to honor Navy SEAL Charlie Keating IV, who died in Iraq nine years ago. The event celebrated Keating's life and legacy, bringing together his old teammates and friends in the place he loved most—the ocean. Coast Guard stops illegally chartered 'pleasure craft' in San Diego 'Charlie was a very infectious human being, he was everybody's best friend,' said Ian Urtnowski, a longtime friend of Keating's. Keating was known for his love of the ocean, spending much of his time spearfishing, lobster diving, surfing, and paddleboarding. He even lived on a boat for some time. In honor of Keating's memory, his loved ones decided to host a paddle out event, combining his two favorite things—the ocean and his family. Wind advisory issued for desert, mountain areas of Southern California 'He was all about the ocean, and so it was only natural for him to become a Navy SEAL,' Urtnowski said. 'Every year, we actually get in the water and relive the experience and honor Charlie's memory.' After Keating's death, the C4 Foundation was established in his honor. It provides support for active duty Navy SEALs and their families, offering a place to reconnect and heal. 'The C4 foundation is there for them in the way of providing opportunity with family, with friends, outside of work, but it's all based around nature, being outside…' said Dave Hansen, a retired Navy SEAL. 'There are people out there, not just Chuck, but there are a lot of people out there who gave everything for their country and this is a very small way to just celebrate that and having a good time doing it as well, ' Hansen added. All facts from this article were gathered by FOX 5/KUSI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by FOX 5/KUSI staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Loved ones honor 18-year-old killed by suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach
Loved ones and community members came together to honor Braun Levi, 18, a high school senior who was killed by a suspected drunk driver in Manhattan Beach. A paddle-out was held on Saturday morning in Manhattan Beach, where many friends and family gathered to catch some waves in Braun's honor. Many of his friends spoke at the event. 'He was the one who brought us all together,' a friend said. 'He kept us singing and he kept us bright. He might not be here right now, but you can still feel his legacy and we can always live like Braun.' 'A kid who gave his love to everyone so freely and asked for nothing in return,' said another friend. 'His impact can be seen by everyone being here today.' On May 4, Braun was walking with a friend near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Ronda Drive when he was struck by a woman in an SUV around 12:45 a.m. Manhattan Beach Police responded to the scene where Braun's body was found on the roadway next to the suspect's vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital, where despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries. The driver, Jenia Belt, 33, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and homicide. Her Infiniti SUV had a smashed windshield and notable damage to the hood. At the time of the crash, court records showed that Belt had been driving on a suspended license due to a previous drunk driving arrest in 2023, the Los Angeles Times reported. In that incident, she was sentenced to a year of probation and ordered to make restitution while her license remained suspended. Braun, whose family had lost their home in the Palisades Fire, was a three-year captain of Loyola High School's varsity tennis team. He was set to attend the University of Virginia after graduation. 'He was the type of tennis player that even when you were his competition on the court, off the court, he was friends with everybody,' said his mother, Jennifer Levi. His family had only moved to Manhattan Beach four months ago when Braun was killed. An earlier memorial was held at the beach volleyball courts where Braun loved to play. His family was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up. 'There are hundreds of Manhattan Beach kids there and we've only lived here for four months,' said Adelle Levi, Braun's sister. 'That shows the impact that Braun had on people and the type of friends he can make so fast.' His father, Dan Levi, said his son saw the loss of their Palisades home to the fire as an opportunity to connect with others. 'We all just tried to make the most of losing our house, appreciating the love of our family,' he said. 'Braun, specifically, wanted to reach out to all the younger classmates at his high school and help them through the experience.' On Saturday night, a memorial was held at Loyola High School, where Braun was a standout student who was beloved by his teachers and classmates. Hundreds of loved ones, friends, and community members attended the public event. 'Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched,' Loyola High School Principal Jamal K. Adams said in a message to the school community. The teen's family said they plan to start a scholarship fund in his name. As for the suspect, she remains in custody without bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
10-05-2025
- CBS News
Manhattan Beach paddle out set for Loyola High School teen killed by alleged drunk driver
Family and friends of Braun Levi will honor his life Saturday morning with a Manhattan Beach paddle out. The 18-year-old Loyola High School senior was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver May 4, as he was walking along Sepulveda Boulevard with a friend. The high school tennis star was set to graduate next month. An Instagram post from the school's athletic department said that he was a team captain and four-year starter for their tennis team and had "cemented himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history." Levi's family recently moved to the area after losing their home in the Palisades Fire. The paddle out takes place at 10 a.m. at First Street in Manhattan Beach. In lieu of flowers, Levi's family requests donations to the "Live Like Braun" Scholarship Fund. To donate, click here, and note Braun's name in the gift designation field. The driver, Jenia Belt, 33, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. She was also driving on a license suspended since January 2024. "Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family, bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched," LHS Principal Jamal K. Adams said in a statement.
