Dear…………………………MEP,

As a recreational water user I use the water all year round, sometimes
at locations that are not used by bathers.

At the present time legislation designed to protect the public from
coming into contact with sewage polluted water does not recognise that
I exist. The 1976 Bathing Water Directive applies only to those areas
where a significant number of ‘bathers’ go in the water and is applicable
only in the summer months.

This means that as a water user my health can be jeopardised simply
by participating in the sport I love.

As you will be aware the 1976 EC Bathing Water Directive is currently
being revised. As one of the millions of water users who use Europe’s
coastal and inland waters each year, I would like to see a number of
changes to the legislation in order that me and my fellow water users
get the protection we deserve.

I hope that you will ensure that when this directive is revised the
following will be incorporated;

· A broadening of the concept of ‘bathing waters’ to take into
account those waters heavily used by citizens participating in water
contact recreation.

· Acknowledgement of the year round nature of water use at certain
locations.

· The development of a standard and methodology that will give
the best possible health protection.

· Accessible, up to date information to enable the public to
make an informed choice about which waters they use, and when.

· The benefits of adopting the above proposals will not be felt
by the water user alone; the tourism and leisure industry also stand
to benefit.

I hope that as a Member of the European Parliament and also a member
of the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy you
will acknowledge the importance of taking this directive forward in
a way that will benefit everyone using our water environment.

Yours sincerely,