Fears that Windermere is being polluted by sewage has prompted campaigners to organise a day of action.
Dozens of people from Cumbria are getting ready to paddle out into the middle of Windermere to protest against the condition of the water.
Catherine, 29, and Dougie Higgins, 28, of Coniston, are organising the protest – one of several happening across the UK on Saturday, May 20, at 11am. It will start at Borrans Park in Ambleside.
Marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage are behind the day of action which will see people paddle out onto the lake in boats, rafts, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
The charity claims the UK’s sewage system is at breaking point and is in desperate need of investment and attention from water companies.
Catherine and Dougie are the charity’s North West representatives and alongside the paddle out, the duo have organised several guest speakers including local MPs and university professors from Manchester and Ambleside.
A placard making station will also be in place for those wishing to join the protest on the day.
Catherine said the protest was of personal importance to the duo who are both avid surfers and teach and carry out paddleboarding lessons in the area.
Catherine said: “We’ve got all of the boats on Windermere involved and everyone is rallying around. Me and my partner work on the water, so our livelihood and how we make money can be affected by the water quality.
“Wherever you go in the world there’s no place like the Lake District, it gives so much and doesn’t have a voice and we can’t sit and do nothing about the pollution in our lakes. We have to do something to look after the beauty around us.
“It can continue to be gorgeous fresh water that’s safe for children to learn to swim in or help people relax and escape a stressful life but we have to act to stop it from becoming disgusting polluted water forever.
“We’ve so far had a lot of support from people just through word of mouth and it is really nice, it makes you realise people really do care about the Lakes and Cumbria.”
A further protest carried out by the Save Windermere campaign is also set to take place over the May bank holiday weekend – just a week after the Surfers Against Sewage paddle out.
Meanwhile, water firm United Utilities has announced drop-in sessions for people to find out about the work it is doing to help improve water quality around the Windermere catchment area.
The firm said it will start early on £19 million work to tackle storm overflow operations at Ambleside, Elterwater, Hawkshead and Near Sawrey.
The sessions are being held at Brockhole on the Lake on May 23 and 24 from 10am to 5pm and Marchesi Centre on May 25 and 26 from 3pm to 7pm.
Kevin Sayers, area engagement lead for Cumbria, said: “We’re determined to deliver a step change in our performance and its contribution to the overall health of Windermere. Many of us live in the local community and we care passionately about the lake.
“These events will give anyone the chance to drop in and ask any questions they may have about Windermere and United Utilities’ operations.”
