Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-swim-banner-copy.jpeg" alt="Jo in the water " class="wp-image-84909" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-swim-banner-copy.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-swim-banner-copy-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-swim-banner-copy-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-swim-banner-copy-768x432.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Wed 22 April is <a href="https://www.earthday.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth Day</a> (yes, one for the diary) &#8211; a global nudge to appreciate the great outdoors and maybe give a little love back to the places on our doorstep.</p>



<p>And what better way to mark it than with a feel-good, proudly local night out? Libraries Unlimited are hosting a series of special screenings across Devon of&nbsp;<em>Jo in the Water</em> &#8211; and trust us, this one’s got heart.</p>



<p>The documentary follows Exmouth sea swimmer Jo Bateman as her regular swims take an unexpected turn. What starts as a personal passion gently grows into something with a bit more clout (and yes, a brush with South West Water along the way).</p>



<p>Backed by <a href="https://www.sas.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Surfers Against Sewage</a> and <a href="https://riveractionuk.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Action</a>, it’s a story rooted right here on our coastline &#8211; full of salt air, community spirit and that unmistakable Devon pride &#8211; with a ripple effect beyond.</p>



<p>We caught up with Jo ahead of her big-screen moment to chat sea swims, local life and what it’s really like seeing your story up in lights.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="867" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-Bateman_one-pager-pic.jpg" alt="Jo Bateman " class="wp-image-84940" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-Bateman_one-pager-pic.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-Bateman_one-pager-pic-800x462.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-Bateman_one-pager-pic-1000x578.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo-Bateman_one-pager-pic-768x444.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-re-not-originally-from-devon-what-brought-you-to-exmouth">You’re not originally from Devon &#8211; what brought you to Exmouth?</h2>



<p>I’d begun walking the South West Coast Path with my dog and completely fell in love with being by the water. That was a turning point for me. I went home that same week, handed in my notice, put my house on the market, and four months later I was living in Exmouth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-you-get-into-sea-swimming">How did you get into sea swimming? </h2>



<p>I always hated swimming and considered myself a crap swimmer so didn&#8217;t start until a year after moving here. That was in 2019 when my sister came to visit. She&#8217;s a cold water swimmer and I thought she was mad, but I went in with her just for the hell of it and immediately got hooked. I swam with a local group for a while, then after lockdown started swimming alone and realised how much I loved the solitude &#8211; it’s incredibly meditative and mindful for me.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-Bateman-underwater3_Will-Reddaway.jpg" alt="Jo in the water " class="wp-image-84947" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-Bateman-underwater3_Will-Reddaway.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-Bateman-underwater3_Will-Reddaway-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-Bateman-underwater3_Will-Reddaway-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-Bateman-underwater3_Will-Reddaway-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-did-you-first-realise-there-was-a-problem-with-the-water-and-what-made-you-decide-to-act">When did you first realise there was a problem with the water &#8211; and what made you decide to act?</h2>



<p>At first I knew nothing about sewage or water quality but I joined a Facebook group which lets you know when a sewage discharge is taking place and as I began to learn more, became increasingly angry. The idea that untreated sewage was being discharged into the sea felt completely unacceptable. Initially, I stopped paying my water bill but I felt this wasn&#8217;t enough so I took out a claim through the small claims court. Once the story gained traction, Leigh Day (legal firm) got involved and offered to represent me pro bono.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1128" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-megaphone.jpg" alt="Jo Bateman on megaphone " class="wp-image-84944" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-megaphone.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-megaphone-800x602.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-megaphone-1000x752.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Jo-megaphone-768x578.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-the-documentary-manifest">How did the documentary manifest?</h2>



<p>My story was picked up by David Parsley, chief news correspondent at&nbsp;<em>The i</em>, and his article went viral. A photographer working on the piece also made a video, which spread widely and really amplified things.</p>



<p>The film’s director, Pip Piper, happened to be working in a co-working space in Exmouth, sitting next to David. They got chatting, and David suggested my story might make a great documentary. Pip focuses on people and communities, so it was a natural fit. We met, and it grew from there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-it-feel-to-see-your-story-on-screen">How does it feel to see your story on screen?</h2>



<p>We had the initial premiere in November, but timed the wider release for spring &#8211; completely by coincidence in the wake of Channel 4’s <a href="https://www.channel4.com/programmes/dirty-business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dirty Business</a>. It’s been a strange but timely overlap and although both tackle the same issue, this film feels different. It’s much more positive and uplifting and I hope it shows that grassroots activism can genuinely make a difference. </p>



<p>The first time I saw it, during the Q&amp;A, someone asked what it felt like seeing myself on screen &#8211; and honestly, my first thought was just, &#8216;God, I look old!&#8217; It’s quite surreal seeing so much of your own face on a big screen.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="805" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_SAS-pic.jpg" alt="Jo at speakers corner " class="wp-image-84943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_SAS-pic.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_SAS-pic-800x429.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_SAS-pic-1000x537.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_SAS-pic-768x412.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-audiences-expect-from-the-film">What can audiences expect from the film?</h2>



<p>Someone described it as a love letter to Exmouth, which I think is perfect &#8211; I absolutely love it here. I’ve lived here for eight years now and can’t imagine being anywhere else. The film really captures the beauty of the place through some stunning cinematography, but it also makes it clear that this isn’t just an Exmouth issue &#8211; this is happening all over the country. I hope it encourages people to take action, in whatever way they can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-has-this-journey-impacted-your-day-to-day-life">How has this journey impacted your day-to-day life?</h2>



<p>I do get recognised occasionally now, but it is what it is. For me, it’s no longer about not being able to swim &#8211; it’s much bigger than that. This is about our environment, our wildlife, and everyone who depends on clean water. Every single person relies on it to survive. What’s happening is, to me, completely abhorrent. We’re destroying our rivers, lakes, and seas, and it can’t continue.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="792" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Chris-Packham-2.jpg" alt="Jo and Chris Packham " class="wp-image-84941" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Chris-Packham-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Chris-Packham-2-800x422.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Chris-Packham-2-1000x528.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/JITW-still_Chris-Packham-2-768x406.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-you-had-much-support-from-the-local-community">Have you had much support from the local community?</h2>



<p>That’s actually been the most positive part of all of this. When I first moved to Exmouth, I loved it, but I didn’t really find &#8216;my people.&#8217; Through this experience, I’ve become part of a community of like-minded people &#8211; people who feel strongly about the same issues and are willing to take action. That’s been incredibly heartwarming. Despite everything, it’s been a really positive experience overall. I keep saying that one day I’ll crawl back under my rock, but it won’t be anytime soon.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="676" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_Jeremy-Vine_Sidmouth.jpg" alt="Jo and Jeremy Vine" class="wp-image-84942" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_Jeremy-Vine_Sidmouth.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_Jeremy-Vine_Sidmouth-800x361.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_Jeremy-Vine_Sidmouth-1000x451.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/04/Jo_Jeremy-Vine_Sidmouth-768x346.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-you-usually-spend-a-perfect-day-in-devon">How do you usually spend a perfect day in Devon?</h2>



<p>Even when I’m not swimming, I go to the sea every day. I live about a 15-minute walk from the seafront, so I’m always down there &#8211; either swimming or walking the dog.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-local-beach-walk-or-hidden-gem">Favourite local beach, walk or hidden gem?</h2>



<p>Exmouth Beach, without a doubt. My daily routine is heading down to <a href="https://www.sideshore.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sideshore</a>, grabbing a coffee from <a href="https://hangtimecafe.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hang Time Café</a>, and just sitting by the sea &#8211; watching people, contemplating the sea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-you-after-the-premiere">What’s next for you after the premiere?</h2>



<p>The film is touring around the country and I&#8217;m busy at screenings but I’m also renovating my house. Life is more than a bit chaotic at the moment! </p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.jointhewater.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jo In The Water</a> is screening across Devon from Apr 22: </strong></p>



<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/librariesunlimited/t-mjjqxvd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newton Abbot&nbsp;Library</a> (Apr 22, 2pm)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/librariesunlimited/t-rzzrqre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paignton&nbsp;Library</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;(Apr 22, 11am)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/librariesunlimited/t-aaadgpm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exmouth&nbsp;Library</a> (Apr 22, 2pm)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/librariesunlimited/t-aaadamn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiverton&nbsp;Library</a>&nbsp;(Apr 24, 6.45pm)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/librariesunlimited/t-vxxpgox" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter&nbsp;Library</a>&nbsp;(Apr 22 2pm)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/librariesunlimited/t-xddrdjy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holsworthy&nbsp;Library</a>&nbsp;(Apr 23, 6.30pm) </p>



<p><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/librariesunlimited/t-yzzkpva" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colyton&nbsp;Library</a>&nbsp;(Apr 22, 4pm)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jo-in-the-water-film-screening-tickets-1985801474667?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White Hart, Moretonhampstead</a>&nbsp;(Apr 24, 7pm)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1292913202723605" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guildhall, Bradninch</a>&nbsp;(Apr 22, 7.30pm)</p>



<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122198962454535076&amp;set=g.1145930998940701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chumleigh Town Hall</a> (Apr 22, 7pm) </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Jo in the Water official cinema trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xGxX71FXrTQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspired">INSPIRED?</h2>



<p><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/living-project-cold-water-swimming-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7 ways to get more from cold swimming</a><br><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/9-wonderful-wild-swimming-spots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">11 wonderful wild swimming spots near you</a><br><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/life-2/work/hot-desk-coworking-spaces-devon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8 stylish co-working spots near you</a></p>



<p></p>


Making waves: meet the Devon swimmer starring in her own documentary

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