Surfers Against Sewage paddle-out at Gyllyngvase Falmouth

The Cornwall paddle-out was one of Surfers Against Sewage’s flagship protests, with 30 events being held at the same time nationally, from Edinburgh in Scotland to Portrush in Northern Ireland and Broadstairs in Kent.

Thousands of campaigners were expected to get involved nationally, with double gold medal-winning Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes due to be paddling out with protesters in Brighton.

'Sick of sewage' (Image: Elliott Glynn)

The mass event was organised by St Agnes based campaigners Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), with chief executive Giles Bristow saying: “The public are making it clear that the issue of sewage pollution is at the top of the agenda.

“Ahead of the election, all parties need to show people genuine and quantifiable commitments to eliminate sewage pollution, or suffer the consequences.”

The protest took place both on the beach and in the sea (Image: Elliott Glynn)

In perfect weather conditions, with warm sunshine and gentle breeze, campaigners gathered on Gyllyngvase Beach for the 11am paddle-out, with a variety of small paddle craft used – from paddle boards and surfboats to small dinghies.

Signs were held aloft with messages such as ‘We’re sick of sewage’ and ‘No to poo in the sea’, while one simply said ‘Cut the crap’.

A short and simple message (Image: Elliott Glynn)

Speaking about the event, the charity said: “Today, we stand united with everyone who cherishes our rivers and seas.

“To everyone involved in the Paddle-Out today, we would like to remind you that we are an apolitical organisation, and our fight for clean water transcends party lines.

A full range of protestors - both human and canine (Image: Elliott Glynn)

“The health of the ocean is a critical issue. That's why we urge all political parties in the UK to get behind the clear calls to action outlined in our End Sewage Pollution Manifesto.

“By working together, we can ensure a healthier future for the UK's waterways and everyone who depends on them.”

There was a huge turnout for the protest (Image: Elliott Glynn)

A similar protest took place over the same weekend last year, when 12 events occurred simultaneously at beaches and rivers across the UK. This year even more paddle-outs took place.

The event was organised by Surfers Against Sewage (Image: Elliott Glynn)

A paddleboarder takes part in the paddle-out (Image: Elliott Glynn)

A sign sums up the message behind the protest (Image: Elliott Glynn)