Ending the year with a bang

The return of the New Year’s Eve fireworks to the river in central London this year has kept Charmaine Boswarva, events and operations planner and her team at the Met’s Marine Policing Unit, busy since August.

Ending the year with a bang

“Having the New Year fireworks back on the river in central London, after a three-year break caused by Covid 19, will be a real tonic.

“Following the Boat Race’s return at Easter, it’s another big step forward in getting people back out on the river post the pandemic.

“My role is to ensure that all spectators have a safe and enjoyable night.

“That means putting in place measures to prevent any potential incidents.

“On the big night, I will be on the command vessel, updating the inspector in charge of anything that happens.

“It’s a long but enjoyable shift, starting at 7am on 31 December and running right through to 3am on New Year’s Day.

“It’s a real team effort, of course, involving scores of highly-professional fellow officers, including dog handlers, as well as colleagues from partner organizations, such as the PLA, London Fire Brigade and RNLI.

“The whole of December is usually a very busy time of year.

“It’s normally January before I can take some time off.”

A police calling  

“I joined the Met in 2007.

“It’s a job I had always wanted to do, since I was a kid.

“I was actually quite a late joiner, but my previous jobs have really been helpful in my police work.

“After working in the tourism industry in my early twenties, I had a complete career change, joining my parents’ glazing and window tinting business.

“Like police work, tourism and sales are a service, involving dealing with people and managing expectations.

“Communication, being able to talk to people, is key to them all.

“But it was illegal to be gay in South Africa when I wanted to join the police there, so I didn’t apply.

“Instead, I came to London with my partner, who I had met in South Africa.

“I always said that I never wanted to move to the UK, because of the weather and dark winter days.

“But, I am so happy we made the move.”

Water roots

“I grew up on the east coast of South Africa.

“The beach and water were a huge part of my life as a kid.

“My family back home are all boat people.

“My brother is a skipper out on the oceans - completely different from the Thames.

“When I go back to South Africa, he can’t wait for me to go out on the boat with him.

“Like him, my father was very proud of my work in London.

“Unfortunately, Dad passed away before he could see me out on the River Thames.

“I used to send him photos though.

“He would show them to his friends with great pride.”

Diversity and inclusion

“Covering all waterways within the M25, not just the Thames, my role involves working with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to disrupt and minimise violence against women.

“I feel strongly about getting more women to realise they can work on the river and be accepted.

“Things are changing.

“Recently, we hosted a tour of Wapping Police Station for the Thames Skills Academy’s Women on the Water group, one initiative helping to make a difference.

“I also want to see more young people involved with the river.”

An unforgettable year

“The passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be the defining moment of 2022 for many of us.

“After years of reviewing our role in Operation London Bridge, I was humbled by the way everyone came together to make it work.

“It involved long hours for ten days, but no-one complained.

“The whole river community came together, as always.

“I felt incredibly proud to be part of it.”

Quick fire

• The river in three words? Historical. Magical. Diverse.
• Best view of the Thames? Sunrise over the river, viewed from the top of Wapping Police Station. It is so quiet and peaceful.
• Other interests: Virtual reality gaming, dog agility and general outdoors.