Its Protect Our Waves petition suggests each combined sewer overflow (CSO) should be allowed to discharge no more than three times in a bathing season and nine times outside it. The briefing document also asks for regulation to make sure surfers, swimmers and other recreational water users get real time warnings about CSO discharges.
As well as sewage pollution, the report highlighted the effect offshore renewables can have on the way waves break onshore. The group said it is in favour of renewable energy resources but called on wind, tidal and wave energy developers to consider the impact on surfing waves.
The campaign, promoted by posters depicting surfboard graveyards, aims to attract 100,000 signatures in support of specific legislation to protect watersport spots.
Hugo Tagholm, director of SAS, said: “Surfers Against Sewage is already working to protect a number of threatened surfing breaks around the UK and it is shocking that there is no specific law in the UK to safeguard these amazing natural resources. Waves and surfing beaches should be recognised as part of UK coastal heritage and afforded greater protection and valued as unique, valuable and scarce assets, just like ancient woodland.”