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The fight to save our rivers, lakes and seas
About the film
Sea swimming is Jo Bateman’s sanctuary—until sewage spills threaten the waters she loves.
A passionate sea swimmer turned reluctant activist, Jo Bateman takes on one of the UK’s biggest water companies in a David-and-Goliath legal battle to protect our oceans from devastating sewage pollution.
As Jo’s courage helps ignite a growing movement, this film exposes the dire state of our water system and asks: who will stand up for our right to swim in clean natural waters, for the species and communities that rely upon them?
Jo in the Water is a powerful, emotional feature-length documentary film. It is not just about water pollution; it is about connection—to nature, to our own sense of place, and to our responsibility for the world around us.
Why this story matters
Our water system is broken. Since the privatisation of water companies in 1989, these entities have paid out billions in dividends to shareholders, while accumulating huge levels of debt.
This financial mismanagement has come at a severe environmental cost. The consequences are dire—for marine life, for public health, and for the communities who rely on these waters. Jo’s story is more than a legal fight; it’s a wake-up call.
Surfers Against Sewage campaigns to end this sewage crisis and is supporting Jo in her brave stand against powerful polluting water companies.
Giles Bristow, CEO, Surfers Against Sewage.
At River Action we are on a mission to rescue Britain’s rivers; we are proud to support the telling of Jo’s story so others can be inspired to take action.
Amy Fairman, Head of Campaigns, River Action UK
*Sources: Environment Agency, The Equality Trust: equalitytrust.org.uk, The Guardian: England’s privatised water firms paid £57bn in dividends since 1991, BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ explainers-62631320
Jo Bateman
Retired physiotherapist Jo Bateman claimed pollution of the Exmouth sea has led to a “loss of amenity” and she was taking the matter to the small claims court.
“I started swimming in the sea and was absolutely bitten by the bug. The mental health benefits in terms of stress reduction mood enhancing are huge.”
But her daily swims were being interrupted by sewage spills, with a Surfers Against Sewage app alerting her to spills. Court action was the “only option open to me”, she said. It cost her £50 to make the claim and all she was asking for was £379.50 compensation.
“I think it’s worth fighting for the principle,” she said. “It’s not about the money.”
Other contributors
Jo in the Water will follow Jo’s journey as she pursues her legal action and ripples out into the work of other grass roots campaigners including:
- SOS Whitstable
- Save the Wye
- Matt Staniek’s Save Windermere
- Prof. Becky Malby of the Ilkley Clean River Campaign
- Sideshore Community
- ESCAPE
We have already filmed contributions from high-profile supporters and campaigners:
- renowned actor & activist angler Jim Murray
- broadcaster Jeremy Vine
- wildlife TV presenter & conservationist Chris Packham
And we are still hoping to catch up with former Undertones legend & campaigner Feargal Sharkey…
Stay up to date
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Key Partners
A heritage anchored in the ocean. Surfers Against Sewage began life 30 years ago as a response from the surfing community to the shocking state of our coastline. Back then, anyone who ventured into the water often found themselves swimming in raw sewage. There are tales of sanitary towels on heads and human poo sandwiched between bodies and boards. Enough was enough.
sas.org.uk
Launched in 2021, River Action is on a mission to rescue Britain’s rivers by raising awareness of river pollution and applying pressure on industrial and agricultural producers, water companies, and other polluters. Since its launch, River Action has now led a number of high-profile campaigns which have materially increased public awareness of the pollution crisis.
riveractionuk.comWith the support of
The Dixon Foundation is a UK-based charity that backs bold initiatives working to help people and our natural world flourish together.
thedixonfoundation.org.ukFilm team bios
Pip Piper, Director
Pip is a UK based award winning producer, executive producer and director specialising in feature documentaries. His work spans 25 years and has been screened internationally in cinemas and on TV.
Phil Webb, Producer
Phil commissions and produces short films and feature documentaries. His last project Chasing The Sun was shown in cinemas across the UK and is now streaming globally.
Dr John Sealey
A Director of Fabian's Film, John is an award winning filmmaker and academic. He has been working with moving image technologies for over 25 years and is passionate about new ideas.
Jonas Hawkins
Jonas has been managing digital media projects since 2001. He has commissioned over 80 artists through a number of major schemes.
In a shoal like this we become mighty.
