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Water Safety

Our Commitment to Water Safety


We are committed to reducing the number of people who drown in the tidal Thames, either accidentally or through suicide.

As a founder member of the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum, we work alongside HM Coastguard, RNLI, London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police (Marine Policing Unit), London Ambulance Service, City of London Corporation, TfL, and City of London Police in London.

In Kent and Essex we are working alongside HM Coastguard, RNLI, Kent Fire and Rescue, Essex Fire and Rescue, Kent Police, Essex Police, Southeast Coast Ambulance Service, Gravesham Borough Council and Rochester Bridge Trust.

Together we are working to make the river a safe place for all users.
May 2019 - May 2023
The Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum is a partnership of key stakeholders committed to reducing the number of people who, accidentally or deliberately, drown in the tidal Thames. The four-year progress report highlights the progress that has been made on delivering the Drowning Prevention Strategy which launched in 2019.
The Drowning Prevention Strategy for the tidal Thames sets out practical steps to be taken to improve waterside safety for people close to the river.
Building the right safety infrastructure can reduce the pressure on the emergency services and ultimately save lives.
Whether you are living by the Thames or visiting to enjoy the view, we urge you to read this guidance on how to enjoy the river safely.
The PLA has produced this map to denote at a snapshot in time where lifesaving provision is located along the tidal Thames.
If an event is proposed on land adjoining the River Thames it is important to consider how the people that are organising and attending the event can stay safe near the water.
Two years from the launch of the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum, this report provides information on our progress with delivering the strategy.
May 2019
A partnership of London agencies came together in May 2019 to launch the Drowning Prevention Strategy. Backed by HRH Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, who spoke at the launch.
February 2021
Simply talking can be a lifeline for people. Our new film, produced to mark #TimetoTalkDay, aims to get the nation discussing mental health, particularly in the ongoing pandemic.

Resources


Where to find advice and guidance.
More than 12 people a week take their own life in London. Would you know what to say?
Did you know a little small talk can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts?
Advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
We are supportive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s plan to implement measures to make older domestic passenger vessels safer.

The attached briefing highlights why the proposed changes are necessary.

London Partners


Together, the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum members are working to make the River Thames a safer place for the entire community.
The statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames; a public trust, established to administer, preserve and improve the Port of London.
A charity that saves lives at sea, whose operation extends to the tidal reaches of the Thames, with stations providing cover as far upriver as Teddington.
The London Metropolitan Police Service's 24/7 frontline marine policing response unit, based on the river at Wapping.
Has a waterborne response capability, as well as an extensive community outreach programme, part of which focuses on water safety on the tidal River Thames.
Her Majesty’s Coastguard is the part of the MCA responsible for national maritime search and rescue; on the Thames this is coordinated by London Coastguard.
The NHS trust covering an area of 620 square miles. Its Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) provide paramedic care in environments beyond the capability of standard units.
The governing body of the Square Mile, which also acts as the Port Health Authority for the tidal River Thames.
Responsible for policing the Square Mile, which includes Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Millennium Bridge and Southwark Bridge.
LRS is responsible for the safety of all users of TfL-owned passenger piers, and for licensing charter and scheduled services operators within the TfL network.