Surfers Against Sewage 'For people to thrive, the ocean must thrive too'

Surfers Against Sewage 'For people to thrive, the ocean must thrive too'

antony thompson

In the heart of Cornwall, where the Atlantic meets the rugged British coastline, a movement was born that would ripple across the UK and beyond. Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) was founded in 1990 as a grassroots movement of surfers campaigning against sewage pollution in the sea. Today, it stands as one of the UK’s most influential marine conservation charities, mobilizing communities, influencing policy, and inspiring a generation of Ocean Activists.

This article explores the mission, values, campaigns, and future vision of SAS, highlighting how a small group of passionate surfers evolved into a national force for environmental change, and to also spread the word and awareness.

From Surfers to Activists

SAS was founded by a group of surfers from St Agnes and Porthtowan, Cornwall, who were appalled by the raw sewage contaminating their local beaches. Their early activism was bold and unapologetic, paddle-outs in gas masks, inflatable turds, and direct action that caught media attention and stirred public outrage.

Their efforts helped push for EU legislation, including the Bathing Water Directive, which led to significant improvements in water quality across the UK.

Mission: Thriving Ocean, Thriving People

At the core of SAS is a simple but powerful belief:

“For people to thrive, the ocean must thrive too.”

Their mission is to unite, empower, and support individuals and communities to protect the ocean and all it makes possible. This includes not just surfers, but swimmers, dog walkers, paddleboarders, and anyone who finds joy and peace by the water.

SAS operates on the principle that change must happen everywhere, from beaches to boardrooms, classrooms to parliaments. Their campaigns span education, policy reform, community action, and citizen science, creating a groundswell of activism across the UK.

Core Campaigns

End Sewage Pollution

Despite progress, sewage pollution remains a major issue. In 2022 alone, sewage overflows were opened nearly 400,000 times, releasing untreated waste into rivers and seas.

SAS’s #EndSewagePollution campaign demands:

  • Legal accountability for water companies.
  • Real-time pollution alerts via the Safer Seas & Rivers Service App.
  • Public inquiries and parliamentary pressure.

They’ve mobilized thousands to sign petitions, email MPs, and participate in protests.

Plastic Pollution: The New Sewage

Plastic is now the most visible threat to our coastlines. SAS runs:

  • The Million Mile Clean: A nationwide beach clean initiative.
  • Plastic Free Communities: Supporting towns and cities to reduce single-use plastics.
  • The Dirty Dozen Audit: Naming and shaming top polluting brands.

Their goal is to turn the tide on plastic by empowering local action and pushing for systemic change.

Protect Our Waves (POW)

Waves are more than recreation—they’re part of the socioeconomic fabric of coastal communities. POW campaigns to:

  • Recognize surf spots as protected natural resources.
  • Ensure access rights for water users.
  • Promote sustainable tourism and local economies.

Climate Action

SAS connects ocean health with climate resilience. Their work includes:

  • Ocean School: Educating young people on climate and conservation.
  • Policy advocacy: Engaging with government to shape climate legislation.
  • Community empowerment: Supporting local climate initiatives and clean energy transitions.

Values That Drive SAS

SAS is guided by four core values:

  • Open: Inclusive, transparent, and welcoming to all.
  • Bold: Unafraid to challenge polluters and policymakers.
  • Creative: Using art, media, and storytelling to inspire change.
  • Connected: Building networks across communities, industries, and institutions. 

The Road Ahead: Future Vision

SAS is entering what they call the Ocean Decade. A critical window to reverse environmental damage before it becomes irreversible.

Strategic Goals:

  • Expand community-led activism through regional reps and local campaigns.
  • Push for stronger legislation on sewage and plastic pollution.
  • Integrate ocean health into climate policy at national and international levels.
  • Grow their digital tools, like the Safer Seas app, to empower real-time action.

Their vision is a virtuous circle: Thriving Ocean, Thriving People. It’s ambitious, but with growing support, it’s achievable.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you live by the coast or inland, SAS offers multiple ways to join the movement:

Social Media & Website Links

Here are the official links to SAS’s platforms so you can embed them in your blog post:

Final Thoughts

Surfers Against Sewage is more than a charity; it’s a movement. It has become a beacon of hope for ocean lovers across the UK. As the threats to our waters grow, so does the need for bold, united action.

Whether you're a surfer, a swimmer, or someone who simply loves the sea, SAS invites you to become an Ocean Activist. Because when the ocean thrives, we all thrive.

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