As concerns mount over the condition of our waterways, an annual event has taken the decision to cancel this year's event.

The Boulter's to Bray Swim have said they are "sorry to announce" that the 2024 swim is cancelled.

The event was set to take place on July 6 and dates back to the 19th century.

It sees open water swimmers tackle the 0.9 mile stretch.

Writing to participants, the event organisers have said: "There has been an increasing amount of concern, locally and in the media, about the cleanliness of our rivers and the safety of river users.   

"The safety of our swimmers has always been of paramount importance to us, and we are proud of our safety record.

"We continually review and update our risk register to satisfy ourselves that we are monitoring the inherent risks of open water swimming. 

"Unfortunately, this year we are unable to find any satisfactory way that we can do this so we have made the tough decision to cancel the 2024 Swim."

Those who have entered this years event will be rolled over for next year or refunded.

It follows TV presenter Steve Backshall's claims that the water near Marlow has the bacterial equivalent of "untreated wastewater" after taking samples from the River Thames.

Steve said: “I’ve been kayaking and canoeing on this stretch of the river for over 20 years, and it’s only been since the pandemic that we’ve seen these massive sewage discharges.

“I’ve been regularly testing the water for a couple of years now with River Action UK, but I had never been part of a full scientific test before. These results show that anyone who goes into this water by any means is going to get badly sick.

“The guys at Bangor actually said to me, ‘Please tell us you’re not going in this river’. They described this level of sewage run-off as a death potion for the Thames.”

READ MORE: Steve Backshall says 'horrifying' sewage pollution in Marlow will 'make people sick'

Slough Observer: The River Thames at Maidenhead

A spokesperson for Thames Water said: "Little Marlow Sewage Treatment Works is fully compliant with its effluent quality consent and its storm discharge permit, as set by the Environment Agency to protect river water quality and the associated ecosystem."

The Boulter's to Bray Swim organisers are hopeful that the swim may be able to go ahead next year.

They added: "We hope that by next year there will be tighter controls on what is discharged into rivers, and clear guidelines for recreational users to enjoy the river.

"We love the Boulter's to Bray Swim and we know you do too as so many of you keep coming back year after year.

"It's an event we should all be proud of, partly because of its awesome history, but also because it continues to invest charitable funds into the local community."