THE GOVERNMENT has proposed to designate 27 new bathing water sites across England, with four swimming spots in Cumbria being included. 

Upon being designated, these sites would be subject to routine water monitoring by the Environment Agency, which will probe into pollution sources and pinpoint remedial actions. 

People would be able to see whether it was safe to swim in the waters, which include popular “wild swimming” spots.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has put forward Coniston Boating Centre, Coniston Brown Howe, Monk Coniston and Derwentwater's Crow Park in Keswick among the swimming spots being considered. 

READ MORE: 'Another good year' of high-quality bathing water at Cumbria beaches

Members of the public have until March 10 to voice their opinions before the close of the consultation.

Water minister Robbie Moore said: "Many people enjoy spending time in our rivers, lakes, and coastal beaches, and I am very aware of the value they bring in terms of social, health and wellbeing benefits.     

"I want to continue to improve the quality of our bathing waters, which is why we are taking action across the board to drive up standards and hold water companies to account.  

"I encourage all local communities and organisations with an interest to take part in this consultation and have their say," he said. 

There were 424 designated bathing waters in England in 2023, with only a handful of them inland, and the vast majority on the coast.

Last year, England's bathing waters saw 96 per cent meeting minimum standards, with a robust 90 per cent acheiving 'good' or 'excellent' ratings - a significant rise from 76 per cent in 2010.