A powerful new safety film warning children and their parents about the dangers of the tidal River Thames - along the full stretch through central London and out to Essex and Kent - went live today, in time for the school holidays and World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July.  

The short film, titled ‘Stay Back, Stay Out, Stay Safe’, is part of a campaign led by the Port of London Authority (PLA), to keep young people safe and prevent accidental drownings in the Thames. The campaign will highlight the hidden risks of playing, swimming, or paddling too close to the river’s edge.

The Thames is a tidal river and can flow at speeds of around 5mph. While that might not sound fast, is quicker than even the greatest Olympians - with top champions like Michael Phelps swimming at around 4.5mph.  

That is why entering the tidal River Thames can be so dangerous. So far this year, the RNLI have already responded to around 1,250 call outs across the tidal Thames.  

Each year we hear tragic stories of people entering the tidal Thames and dying. Often these incidents occur during the warmer months, when the river appears calm and inviting, but underneath, currents are strong, temperatures are dangerously low, and the foreshore and riverbed are unpredictable with hidden drop-offs, slippery surfaces, and sudden changes in depth.

In fact, there are three times as many accidental drownings across the UK on days with extreme heat, compared to a typical summer day.  

Robin Mortimer, CEO of the Port of London Authority, says: "The tidal River Thames is an iconic and beautiful setting, but it’s not a playground. Beneath the surface is a fast-moving tidal river that would overwhelm the greatest swimmers in the world.”

The PLA’s Chief Harbour Master, James Stride, gave the clear message: “Every summer, lives are lost or forever changed because of one wrong step. So please don’t mess with the River Thames: stay back from the edge, stay out of the water, and stay safe.”

RNLI Water Safety Lead, Guy Addington, said: “At the RNLI, our priority is helping people enjoy the water safely. That’s why we fully support the Port of London Authority’s message: no one should swim in or enter the tidal Thames. It’s a dangerous, fast-moving, working river. The safest advice is to stay out altogether. If you want to swim, go to a lifeguarded beach where conditions are supervised.

“If you do enter the water, remember to Float to Live. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. You can then call for help or swim to safety.”

The campaign launches as schools break up for the summer holidays, a period where young people are more likely to be out unsupervised or tempted to seek places to cool off.  

The PLA is working closely with local schools, borough councils, and youth outreach teams to share a toolkit designed to help spread the message and keep young people safe by raising awareness of the real dangers the river presents.

For more information, or to view the film, visit https://pla.co.uk/water-safety

For anyone wanting to enjoy the River Thames safely, the PLA website has information about lots of great opportunities to safely enjoy sailing, rowing, walking and swimming lessons in London, Kent and Essex.

In addition, each year the PLA’s Active Thames programme helps thousands of people to safely take part in activities on or near the Thames. You can find out more on the Active Thames website.

After more than 40 years working on the Thames, Peter is preparing for a well-earned retirement, and it’s hard to overstate the impact he’s had on the Port of Tilbury in that time.  

He joined Forth Ports in 1998, already a seasoned operator, just as a new bulk terminal was being built. Since then, Peter has helped shape Tilbury into what it is today: a dynamic, expanding gateway, known not only for the largest grain terminal in the UK, but also for its international cruise terminal, ever-growing bulk and storage facilities and ‘waste to energy’ power station.  

From his early days in operations to leading asset management and, most recently, serving eight years as Commercial Director, Peter has been at the heart of the port’s transformation. His proudest career moment? Leading the creation of Tilbury2; overseeing land acquisition, planning, and delivery of one of the UK’s most significant port developments in recent years. While paving the way for the next major port development, Tilbury3.

Peter credits early mentors like Mike Cooper, Grain Terminal Manager, and former CEO Charles Hammond OBE, and he has always believed in continuous learning; earning an MBA to support his strategic role. He’s also a strong advocate for skills development and greater diversity across the industry.  

As he looks forward to retirement, Peter reflects on a very different Tilbury from the one he joined in the 1980s. Once neglected, now thriving thanks to nearly a billion pounds of investment over the past 25 years.  

Peter’s contribution to that story has been immense. We thank him for his commitment, leadership, and vision, and wish him and his wife many exciting adventures ahead, from Zanzibar to Thailand, and everywhere in between.  

Congratulations, Peter!

This Father's Day, we're celebrating father and daughter, Graham Negus and Emma Brown. Graham worked for the PLA for 45 years, and Emma is a VTS Officer.

We spoke with Emma about both her and her dad's careers at the PLA:

How long have you worked at the PLA?
I started in 2005, so it will be 20 years in November!

How long did your dad work at the PLA?
My dad worked at the PLA for 45 years before retiring in 2019. He started as a PLA Salvage Diver on salvage craft before becoming Chief Diver in a mobile team covering the whole river. He then moved into VTS where he stayed for 31 years.

Tell us about your career path.
I started dinghy sailing as a child, and I used to go on sailing holidays with my family. My dad eventually bought a yacht when I was a teenager, which he kept in Holland. In 2005 I joined the PLA as Shipping Coordinator before completing the RYA Day skipper practical and theory, as well as RYA yacht masters. I then progressed into the VTS team after doing my nautical knowledge and VTS training.

What do you remember about your dad’s job when you were growing up?
Only that he worked all the time and used to work a lot of unsociable hours. He also used to moan if I woke him up in the day after a night shift! I visited the ops room when I was little and use to enjoy looking at the screens while dad would tell me about the ships he was looking at.

How long did you work alongside your dad in VTS?
Including the time I was Shipping Coordinator, my dad and I worked in the ops room for 14 years together, 10 of these were in VTS. We were on different watches; however, we did get to do some overtime shifts together which I always enjoyed.

How did your dad help you to succeed as a VTSO?
He helped with my knowledge of the river before starting the job and always had an answer if I needed anything. He knew the river so well. Most importantly, he made a better cup of tea than anyone else!

What’s the best part of the job?
There is no typical day/night, every shift is different.

We are delighted to share that we have been named as a finalist in two categories at the Maritime UK Awards 2025.

• Employer of the Year Award
• Rising Star Award for Emily McLean (Senior Technical Advisor)

Being named a finalist for Employer of the Year not only honours the progress we’ve made, but it also inspires us to continue raising the bar, supporting our strategic goals and the people who make them possible.

It is an honour to have our people focused values and exceptional employees recognised by the wider maritime industry. It is an affirmation of what we know - that we are dedicated to supporting and developing our people and that when our people make the most of opportunities in front of them, they thrive.

Congratulations also to Emily McLean. This nomination is external validation of what we in the PLA already know, that she is a rising star whose career is going from strength-to-strength. The hard work and energy Emily puts into her role is incredible, and we are proud to see this recognised.

Emily said: "I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. Even being nominated means a great deal to me. Having work related to the environment receive the recognition it deserves is crucial for driving progress in the maritime industry. 

"I would also like to thank all my colleagues in Environment and Sustainability, I couldn’t have achieved what I have without your support."

We look forward to 26 June to celebrate the achievements of the Maritime Industry in Dover with colleagues from across the industry.

Today, Sunday 18 May, is the International Day for Women in Maritime 2025.

Hear PLA colleagues reflect on what it’s like to be a woman in the Maritime Industry.