The sea swimmer suing the polluters: Jo’s story is coming to a cinema near you

Inspiring new documentary ‘Jo In The Water’ follows sea swimmer turned reluctant activist Jo Bateman as she takes on one of the UK’s biggest water companies in a David-and-Goliath battle to protect our waters from sewage pollution

Touring the UK this spring, new feature-length documentary Jo In The Water charts the story of a passionate sea swimmer turned reluctant activist, Exmouth-based Jo Bateman, as she takes on one of the UK’s biggest water companies in a David-and-Goliath battle to protect our waters from devastating sewage pollution.

Fed up of being unable to swim in her local stretch of coastline at Exmouth because of frequent sewage spills, Jo decided to take legal action against South West Water and refuse to pay the sewage element of her water bill. As Jo’s courage helps ignite a growing movement, Jo In The Water 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?

“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,” say the film-makers who’ve brought Jo’s incredible story to the screen.

The documentary features wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham, who says of Jo’s story: “Jo inspires people… they realise that together we have a greater strength. In a shoal like this we become mighty.”

Digital editor Abi Whyte says of the film: “I love Jo’s determination to see this through. She’s just an ordinary woman fighting for her right to swim without fear of sickness from pollution – we can all learn a lesson from her and step up our courage for fighting for what’s right.”

Following a stirring world premier of Jo in the Water at the Exeter Phoenix in November, the documentary is being rolled out to cinemas across the UK from March. The film-makers are working with Surfers Against Sewage and River Action to identify key towns and cities where there will be a guaranteed strong demand for the film, which can be further mobilised by the campaign communities.

“At its core this documentary is a call to arms – a meditation on how we live, how we treat our planet and its wildlife, and how we must fight to reclaim our right to a clean, thriving natural world. Jo’s courage will inspire, her struggle will enrage, and her love for the sea will remind us all of what we stand to lose if we do not act now,” says Jo In The Water director Pip Piper.

To find out where ‘Jo In The Water’ is screening near you, visit jointhewater.com. Editor Ella Foote will be joining the film Q&A panel at one of the upcoming screenings – keep an eye on our newsletter and social channels for updates.

Lead photo by Will Reddaway