A United Front, Hampshire Communities to Join National ‘Paddle Out’ to Demand End to Sewage Poll

On Saturday, 16th May, the shores of Emsworth Mill Pond will see a mass gathering of water users as the Final Straw Foundation (FSF) leads a ‘Paddle Out Protest’ against the ongoing sewage crisis. Part of a nationwide day of action coordinated by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), the event will see Emsworth join forces with neighboring protests at Hayling Island and Dell Quay to demand an immediate end to the "toxic cocktail" of untreated waste entering the Solent.

The Havant-based charity, which has spent eight years campaigning for marine health, is currently at the frontline of this battle. For the past year, FSF has conducted daily water quality testing in Emsworth Harbour, documenting the real-time degradation of the local ecosystem.

The Human Cost of Pollution The impact of this crisis is more than just environmental; it is deeply personal.

‘My son (Charlie) became seriously ill after exposure to polluted seawater, and it led to him being hospitalised. Since then, something as simple as a family day at West Wittering Beach is no longer carefree. I find myself questioning whether it’s safe to let my child into the sea at all and the most worrying part is how many families still don't know the risk they’re taking. says Becky Corkery. Local resident to Emsworth.

Bianca Carr, CEO of the Final Straw Foundation, said: "We are taking part in this national protest because the status quo is simply unacceptable. Our daily testing in Emsworth has shown firsthand the impact of untreated sewage on our local environment. While water companies pay out huge dividends and bonuses, our ecosystems are being decimated, and our community’s health is being put at risk. We are paddling out to show regulators and the Government that we will not back down until we see real legislative change and an end to sewage pollution for good."

The protest comes amid heightened public scrutiny of the UK’s ageing sewage infrastructure. FSF is calling on swimmers, paddlers, surfers, and shore-side supporters to gather in record-breaking numbers to send a clear message to the water companies.

Event Details:

●      Location: Emsworth Mill Pond.

●      Date: Saturday, 16th May 2026.

●      Time: 2:00pm

The public is encouraged to bring placards with creative messages around "End Sewage Pollution" and to sign up to confirm attendance via the FSF website in advance to help the charity manage safety and numbers.

visit www.finalstrawfoundation.org.

Link to our Event Brite Page for  the Event Details.