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North East Surfers - SAS needs you!

PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 4:49 pm
by drowningbitbybit
I got this from Surfers Against Sewage. Im no good to 'em seeing as I never go near the place, but we've got a few here who'd probably appreciate not swimming aroung in untreated sewage :shock:

"Do you surf, windsurf, kitesurf, dive, kayak, sail (dinghy or small yachts) or swim in the sea off any of the North East's beaches between Saltburn and Hartley Reef?

And do you use the water from the beginning of October to the end of April?

If the answer to BOTH of these questions is YES - then SAS need your help!

Northumbrian Water has applied to the Environment Agency to turn-off the UV disinfection sewage treatment process outside the 'bathing season' at 6 sewage treatment works in the north east (Howdon, Hendon, Seaton Carew, Billingham, Bran Sands and Marske). SAS are objecting on the grounds that water quality will be reduced, therefore increasing the risk of contracting a sewage related illness in a region highly popular with recreational water users.

In order for us to challenge Northumbrian Water's assumption that 'on average no more than 10 surfers per week use each beach for recreation in this region from the beginning of October to the end of April' we want water users to send us their pictures of people using the water for recreation during this time. Ideally it needs to document line-ups as opposed to individuals surfing as we want to show how well used these beaches can be on their day, however please do send us any individual shots as this can still help us show people are using the water throughout the winter and beyond!

The quality doesn't have to be great (mobile phone shots could be OK) but we do need them emailed. Can you also tell us where it is and when it was taken. Also try and keep the pictures smallish in size (around the 1MB size)

The beaches we are particularly interested in are Hartley Reef (near Tynemouth), Whitley Bay, Tynemouth area, South Shields, Whitburn, Sunderland area, Hartlepool area, Coatham, Redcar and Saltburn. If you use other beaches that are in this area still please send them, but again tell us where they are.

The more we get the more success we'll have in challenging Northumbrian Water's proposal to turn off the UV disinfection process at local sewage treatment works. If Northumbrian Water are successful then water quality will become poorer right across the region and increase the chances of us becoming sick more often.

Send your pics to
northeastpics@sas.org.uk

We must get them by 28th February 2007. We'll then use them in an action to support our ongoing campaigning.
"

PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:38 pm
by tomcat360
Well, nice to see someone's doing something, but it's pretty gay what those guys are doing.....don't think anyone surfs there?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:42 pm
by surferdude_scarborough
i do

PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:45 pm
by tomcat360
I meant like, I'm appalled they think that nobody surfs there.

Does the water ever make you sick? We've got a bit of a sewage problem, but they only test for it in the summer.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:21 pm
by jethrodog
If you surf there, help them out. Otherwise you will end up surfing through floating s**t. Seen it happen. Don't sit on your asses.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 11:56 pm
by northswell
tomcat360 wrote:I meant like, I'm appalled they think that nobody surfs there

what i believe the water company is trying to say is that no one uses the sea in the winter so its ok to shag the sea then. But, as we all know we hardcore/idiot uk surfers use it all year round, SAS is trying to lobby to get the water companies to respect the sea all year round and not just when they may be fined during the summer months.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:12 pm
by surfdaisy06
Does the water ever make you sick?


I was off school for a few days after goin surfin at the weekend. About a month ago. I swear the water at tynemouth is brown.
Image

PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:36 pm
by surfin_daddy
i went on holiday there and they get some big ass crabs!!!! the kind that grab you and scuttle away....you get my vote (but sadly i got no pictues)

PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:37 pm
by Real Pol
tomcat360 wrote: We've got a bit of a sewage problem, but they only test for it in the summer.


We only get our waters tested during the Bathing Waters season which is June to September, (when surfers are hardly in the water).

It seems a low way of trying to save a few pounds. I've never heard of the like before.

Just don't get the "Environment Director" (or whatever title he gives himself) of the BSA involved, he'll spend most of his time yelling at the EA receptionist and threatening peoples families. You'll guess my opinion of him!

Re: About the whole SAS being macho toy soldiers!

PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 10:17 pm
by surf patrol
SAS - Surfers Against Sewage

I don't think anyone can say that surfers (and all other water users) have not benefitted from the work done by Surfers Against Sewage. It's good that they give their time and effort to help us all.

Help them out if you can.

<edit> I have had a little clear out of this thread that seems to have been sidetracked a little<edit>

PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:07 am
by Otter
Good job you surfers, fight the good fight! Don't let the bastids dirty your beaches!