A new water safety guide for residents living close to the tidal Thames has been issued to mark the Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week (19-26 June).

Produced by the by the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum (TTWSF), the Riverside Community Water Safety Guide provides comprehensive advice on enjoying the river safely for all those living or working in properties near the river, as well as recreational users of the 95-mile length of the Thames, from Teddington to the coast.

It includes tips on what to do in an emergency, along with practical steps to help everyone enjoy the river safely.

Chaired by the Port of London Authority (PLA), the TTWSF’s other members are: the City of London Police, the City of London Corporation, HM Coastguard, the London Ambulance Service, the London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police, the RNLI, and Transport for London.

Lucy Owen, PLA deputy director of planning & environment, said: “This guide is essential reading for everyone who lives and works on or near the river, as well as visitors to the capital’s waterway this summer.

“It’s full of practical advice on ensuring that we prevent drownings and injuries on the river.

“Following the recent rapid expansion of river-side dwellings in London, we hope it will prove particularly useful for people living near the Thames in the capital for the first time.”

The TTWSF was established four years ago, to co-ordinate and promote safety on the river. Each year, an estimated 30 people lose their lives in the waters of the tidal Thames.

HRH the Duke of Cambridge launched the TTWSF’s Drowning Prevention Strategy in May 2019.

The Port of London Authority is joining London Climate Action Week (LCAW) with a webinar debate about the global factors set to influence the future of the tidal Thames.

The tidal Thames is home to the UK’s biggest port, busiest inland waterway, a haven for wildlife, and a centre for sport, recreation and culture. Its future at the heart of a low carbon economy, climate resilient, offering equity in opportunity and access are expected to be at the heart of its long-term future. This will be reflected in the updated river development framework, Thames Vision 2050, which the PLA is working on with stakeholders.

The Thames Vision covers the 95 miles of tidal river from Teddington Lock to the North Sea. The PLA released the original Vision, covering twenty years to 2035 in summer 2016, after 18 months of development. The update, out to 2050 is needed to reflect accelerating climate change response, changing trading relationships with the rest of the world and the pandemic driving unprecedented social and economic change across our cities.

Panellists on Tuesday, 29 June 2021 webinar – part of the initial public engagement for the Thames Vision update – include:

• Juliet Mien, Technical Director, Resilience Shift
• Emma Page, Head of Sustainability, University of Exeter
• Joe Borg, Lloyd’s Register
• Dr Tim Moonen, Managing Director, The Business of Cities

The panel’s initial interventions will touch on sustainability, resilience, global city development and evolving ship technology, to set up a debate centred on audience questions.

“With London Climate Action Week’s focus on harnessing the power of London for global climate action, this webinar is ideally timed,” explained PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer. “We expect to touch on key themes for the climate action week, including a green, fair and resilient recovery, whole society climate action and a sustainable, net-zero development.

“The Port of London is inextricably linked to the city it serves. Our goal is to support development of a low emission port and river, with opportunity, access and equity at its heart. The webinar will be open to all and provide insights about the global factors set to influence the future of the river and shaping the new Vision for the Thames.”

Scarlett Barnett-Smith, from Gillingham, who started her career as marine apprentice with the Port of London Authority (PLA) has won the 2021 John Percival Award for Best Industry Trainee from the National Workboat Association.

Nominated, by training provider SeaRegs, Scarlett was presented with the award in virtual event on (9 June).

Kerrie Forster, chief executive of the Workboat Association, said: “Scarlett’s eagerness to achieve and to encourage others, made her stand out against other nominees for the award, all of whom we are very proud to have working and training within our industry. She proved herself a superb student.

“We particularly want to recognise Scarlett’s efforts to encourage apprenticeships in the maritime sector, and also her work to promote women in maritime.”

PLA training and liaison officer, Rachel De Bont, who mentored Scarlett throughout her apprenticeship, commented: “We’re all so proud of what Scarlett has achieved during her maritime career so far.

“A big thank you from us goes to SeaRegs for nominating her for this prestigious award.”

Scarlett (20) has recently returned from three weeks at sea aboard the Galatea, as part of a cadetship with Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, sponsored by the PLA and Trinity House.

Scarlett said: “I’m so honoured to be receiving this award. I want to thank everyone at SeaRegs, and the PLA, especially Rachel, who have been such an enormous support to me, helping me live my dream.”

Photo: Emma Cowper, sustainability manager, DP World London Gateway and Andy Osborne, marine engineering manager, PLA

On World Oceans Day (8 June), DP World and the Port of London Authority reveal plans for bespoke “rubbish muncher” for London Gateway.

On World Oceans Day, a £150,000 plan for a bespoke, floating litter collector for the lower Thames in Essex has been announced by DP World London Gateway and the Port of London Authority (PLA).

Annually the PLA’s existing network of eight “passive driftwood collectors” (PDCs) on the river in central London stops up to 400 tonnes of waterborne litter from floating out to the North Sea, but too much debris still collects downstream of Greenwich.

Two years’ of monitoring and analysis will guide the design of a new, bespoke PDC to suit conditions lower down the estuary, close to DP World’s new London Gateway smart hub

The specific local challenges the new PDC will need to tackle include bigger waves and the need not to disturb wildlife-rich mudflats.

The project aims to prevent discarded rubbish – ranging from plastic bottles to traffic cones – from endangering wildlife.

If digested by fish, there is a risk of pollutants entering the human food chain.

The creation of the new PDC, tailored to the requirements of the lower river, is one of the first outputs of a strategy created by the Thames Litter Forum, established by the PLA, which brings together a range of partners from along the tidal river’s 95-mile course, from Teddington to the coast, to reduce the tide of litter washed into the river.

Tanya Ferry, head of environment at the PLA, said:

“This trial will help establish how our current PDCs could be adapted to be effective in the lower Thames.

“Innovative solutions are needed to tackle the different conditions in this part of the river.

“First and foremost, we urge everyone do all they can to stop litter entering the river in the first place. The Thames and its tributaries, are precious havens for wildlife and must be protected from needless litter pollution.”

The creation of a new PDC, tailored to the requirements of the lower river, is part of Thames Vison strategy, established by the PLA, aiming to restore the health of the river to levels not seen since before the Industrial Revolution.

Emma Cowper, sustainability manager, DP World London Gateway, said:

“At DP World, we seek to strike the necessary balance between unlocking the potential of the blue economy, while also protecting its marine environment. Our efforts will be focused on: investing in restoration; coastal clean-ups; and educational programmes. The passive debris collector supports both the second and third focus areas.

“Every single piece of plastic rescued from the river is a small step in protecting the health of the marine environment around the world.

“That’s why we are so pleased to be co-funding this important new initiative, tackling the problem on our own doorstep at London Gateway.

“DP World is committed globally to making ocean enhancement a part of its legacy and to combat climate change.”

To mark World Oceans Day 2021 (8 June), this year highlighting how people depend on clean seas for their livelihoods, we meet Andrew Lawrence of Essex-based Osborne & Sons Shellfish.

Hooked on fishing

“I was born in Rochford hospital in January 1975.

“We come from a long line of fishermen, dating back several hundred years, over five generations

“My earliest memories are watching my grandad unload the cockle boat outside our café.

“As a child, I was always into fishing and sailing. Anything to do with the water, really.

“I am lucky – nowadays I am out on the river most days.

“Like most of my family, I went to the local comprehensive school. I enjoyed sport and maths mostly and still do today.

“But I always knew that I would work in the family business.

“During the school holidays, I would be allowed to go out on the boat with my uncle and great uncle.

“I started unloading the boat aged 12, and left school at 16, to work full-time for the business.

A family tradition

“The Thames has been the focus of our business for over 140 years, shrimping and cockling.

“Our original cockleboat Renown was involved in the evacuation of the troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, and sadly was blown up on its return journey.

“We have had several cockle boats built since, some locally. Our newest vessel Mary Amelia LO86 was built in Newhaven, Sussex.

“Our business premises were initially used to cook cockles straight from the boat, and then sold at the front of the building.

“With changing health regulations, our processing plant moved to the row of cocklesheds, where we are situated now, alongside our fishmongers.

Working life

I don’t really have a typical day, but it is more a bit more routine during the cockle season, from mid June to mid October.

“We leave to go out on the boat from Leigh-on-Sea, as the tide is coming in and steam to whatever cockle ground we will be working from. Once we have fished our “TAC” quota, (Total Allowable Catch), we will ideally return on the outgoing tide, or wait until the next incoming tide.

“Once we return to Leigh-on-Sea, I unload the boat with our excavator and drive the tractor to our factory, where we start the processing of the cockles.

“I oversee the factory, ensuring all our cooking standards are met, and that the end product is plump, tasty and as grit free as possible.

“Out of season, we have a multitude of maintenance, both on our boats and in the factory to ensure they are working well for the next season.

“We also ensure the smooth running of our café and fishmongers on shore.”

Surviving COVID-19

“The business has been affected by the pandemic in many ways.

“There have been shortages of products and supplies and we have had to adapt our ways of working, like most people.

“But our sales have actually gone up over the last years.

“The pandemic has served to raise awareness of the fish and shellfish industry.

“The support we have had from our local customers has been amazing. There has been a definite trend towards people wanting locally produced food.”

A growing business

“We have many customers around the rest of the country and overseas too.

“If we can get our product to you, we will!

“Our aim is to offer the best quality cockles in the country

“If you are eating cockles in the UK, it is highly possible they have come from Leigh-on-Sea.

“We source as much locally as possible, but the reality is that some species are not available in our local waters.

We are very proud to be playing our part of making the UK fishing industry has a secure, sustainable future  

A changing environment?

“The weather is a big factor in our business, both on shore and also for fishing.

“The unusual weather patterns that we have been seeing create headaches for us, affecting cockles growth and our yield. Cockles need rain to grow and they do not like the hot weather.

Quick fire

• Favourite meal? Fresh cockles of course, served with vinegar and pepper.
• Will you be watching the European football championships? I will be cheering on England – and Germany.
• Claim to fame? I appeared in a Remembrance Day edition of the BBC’s Countryfile in 2017, programme, explaining Renown in the Battle of Dunkirk.
• Pet hates? Lateness. Time and tide wait for no one.

Find out more about Osbourne's fish.

At the start of Pride month, Robin Mortimer, chief executive of the Port of London Authority (PLA), welcomes the contribution of the tidal Thames LGBT+ community to the river – past, present and future.

The iconic new Woods Quay, in the shadow of Waterloo Bridge, was a double source of good news last week.

Firstly, the quay, home to Woods Silver Fleet, was welcoming back visitors for the first time since the pandemic struck.

With summer finally showing signs of life, it was great to be on the river socially again, for the first time in months.

And the event was a real milestone for the river community – with representatives and supporters of the tidal Thames’ LBGT+ community gathered on the quay to celebrate the start of Pride month.

Organisations linked to the river, from Teddington to the North Sea were involved, ranging from the London Fire Brigade and the Met Police, to the RNLI, Thames21 and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

It was a first for the river – and felt like a celebration of that.

Over the centuries the tidal Thames has always welcomed - and relied on - people of all backgrounds from around the world. So promoting diversity – in all aspects – builds on a culturally diverse history.

Now we need to be more vocal in supporting and promoting acceptance of the LGBT+ community – whether working on the river or visiting for sport, recreation or cultural events.

The PLA as an organisation is strongly committed to making sure that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves at work, and not feel that part of themselves must be kept under wraps in some way.

That’s something I feel strongly about, and I know many colleagues do too – because we want the river to be a great place to work, whoever you are.

That’s why this month we are proudly flying the Pride flag on our vessels and buildings.

This is about giving a clear message – as so many other sectors and organisations have - that LGBT+ people are totally welcome members of the river community.

I am looking forward to more events this year, as the COVID restrictions lift. The Thames is a great place for a celebration – and the more people who can experience that the better!

Representatives and supporters of the tidal Thames’ LGBT+ community gathered on the river to celebrate the start of Pride month at Waterloo Bridge.

Engagement launched targeting a zero-emissions port and river in a vibrant Net Zero economy.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is inviting anyone with an interest in the tidal Thames to get involved and help shape Thames Vision 2050, an updated framework for development of the 95 miles of river from Teddington Lock to the North Sea.

The Thames is home to the UK’s biggest port, busiest inland waterway and a blue/green corridor through the heart of London for wildlife, sport, recreation and culture. The original Thames Vision was developed by the PLA and stakeholders through 2015 covering 20 years out to 2035. Now, with the economic, environmental and social landscape transforming, the Vision is having its first update with a drive towards a vibrant Net Zero economy.

PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer, explained:

“Thames Vison 2035 was published in summer 2016. Since then we have seen great progress in many areas of river use. The last five years have also been a time of transformation with greater urgency in our response to climate change, Brexit resetting the UK’s trading relationship with the rest of the world and the COVID-19 pandemic causing an unprecedented social and economic shock, potentially accelerating change across our cities and the way we live our lives.

“With a ‘new normal’ now hopefully in sight, the time is right to review progress and look again to ensure the Thames is ready to play a full role in the recovery and transition towards a Net Zero economy.

“The original Vision was the first strategy for the tidal Thames, developed with stakeholders and taking the broadest view of the river across trade, travel, sport, environment and culture. Now we are asking people to work with us again to shape a new Vision out to 2050.”

In shaping the consultation, the PLA convened an expert panel of representatives from Harvard University, Exeter University, Resilience Shift, Lloyd’s Register and The Business of Cities to discuss the major drivers set to influence the development of the Thames between now and 2050. Early input from the expert panel focussed on sustainable development goals including: social (equitable access to employment and wider opportunities), environmental (emissions reduction and climate resilience, water quality and biodiversity) and economic (wealth and job creation, including recovery from the impact of the COVID pandemic).

The initial six-week engagement on Thames Vision 2050 launches today (Tuesday, 1 June), with a simple, four-question online survey available to complete.

To understand how operations on the Thames will evolve between now and 2050, the PLA commissioned Oxford Economics to complete a Port Trade Forecast. Drawing on input from a wide range of Thames operators, it sets out several forecast scenarios, with outlooks for 2050 port trade ranging from 54 million tonnes and 92 million tonnes.

Further evidence being collated includes a Royal HaskoningDHV study to model the future of energy demand and supply on the tidal Thames, so that vessels calling in the port, or operating on the river have access to the fueling infrastructure that they need. A sports participation study is also underway, which will inform development of the Active Thames programme to increase participation in watersport, the workforce that supports it and make the most of existing assets including clubhouses and the Thames Path National Trail.

“The Thames is the reason why London was established where it is and every generation rethinks the use of this shared space connecting our capital to the rest of the world,” concluded Robin Mortimer. “Because of that, partnership working is key to making things happen and making best use of the river in the decades ahead.”

Through the six weeks a series of three engagement events will be held:

• Tuesday 22 June, 6.00 pm, IET London and online
  Vision update and discussion – in-person event, streamed online too.
• Tuesday 29 June, 2.00 pm, online
  Online debate with expert panel members on the global factors set to influence the future of the tidal Thames.
• Tuesday 6 July, 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm, London Rowing Club
  Drop-in session at London Rowing Club, Putney

You can register for these events via the webpage.

The initial stakeholder engagement around the development of Thames Vision 2050 will close at midday on Wednesday, 14 July 2021.

Representatives and supporters of the tidal Thames’ LGBT+ community gathered on the river to celebrate the start of Pride month at Waterloo Bridge.

The event, arranged by the Port of London Authority (PLA), was hosted by Woods Quay, the new home of Woods’ Silver Fleet.

Other organisations involved include the Greater London Authority, London Fire Brigade, the Met Police, the RNLI, the Thames Skills Academy and Transport for London, as well as boat operators, rowing clubs and environmental charities, spanning the 95-mile course of the tidal river, from Teddington to the sea.

The gathering coincides with the return of tourist and commuter passenger boat operations on the river, as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Robin Mortimer; PLA chief executive, said: “As Pride month gets under way, it’s important to celebrate the LGBT+ community and ensure we continuously promote acceptance.

“The river is strengthened by the diversity of all those who help ensure it is a safe and attractive place, for everyone living and working along its banks, as well as for visitors.

“Our collective message to people with a professional, voluntary or recreational link to the river is clear: Whatever your sexual orientation, you are welcome.”

Blaeke Downie, from Surrey Quays, who is head of customer service operations at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said: “I’m thrilled to take part in this event, celebrating Pride on the Thames.

“As someone who’s fairly new to living and working on the river, seeing it evolve and grow to become more diverse and inclusive is truly heart-warming. It’s so exciting to be a part of that journey.”

Ryan Sargent, land referencer for the Lower Thames Crossing, from Essex, said: “A river course can often be seen as a dividing line or barrier, but the literal and metaphorical bridges we have built across it over the centuries show the great lengths we go to connect to each other.

“This same sense of connectivity and celebration of our diversity is a cornerstone of Pride, art and culture.”

Gina Blair, master of the Company of Watermen & Lightermen, representing boat operators on the river, said: “As the recent lockdowns have highlighted, the river is a place for everyone.

“Walking its banks has helped so many to cope mentally with the pandemic. We now look forward to welcoming more people of all backgrounds back to travelling on the river, for work or pleasure.”

Hit hard by the pandemic, Creekside Discovery Centre in Deptford was on the verge of closure – until its founder, former chief executive of the Thames Estuary Partnership, Jill Goddard, came to the rescue.

River inspiration

“I was born in Falconwood, near Eltham in south east London.

“My first memory of the Thames is crossing London Bridge on a bus with my mother, to see the Christmas lights. I still remember their glow reflected in the river.”

Creek history

“Deptford is the only Thames creek, where at low tide you can safely wade and explore, with the help of a guide.

“London’s first passenger railway crosses it and Bazalgette’s Greenwich Pumping Station is just next door. Trades and industries, from chemical works to tidal mills and slaughterhouses, have all used its banks.

“The creek’s waters, muddy banks and flood defence walls are home to shrimps, crabs, fish, birds and 300 species of wildflowers.

“A charitable trust was established in 1999 to look after this unique habitat.”

Community roots

“The idea for the Creekside Discovery Centre came from a local resident, back in 1995.

“At the time, I was working for Lewisham Council’s ecology team. I got the creek added into the two local authorities’ regeneration programme – the site is adjacent to the border with Greenwich.

“In those days, the creek was an eyesore, unloved and full of tidal mud and rubbish.

“The surrounding area was blighted by unemployment, running at 24 per cent.  

“But I could see the potential. Both boroughs were keen to develop the potential of Creekside properties.

“Originally the plan was for a non-tidal canoeing facility. I dealt with the detailed environmental assessments that resulted. However, the plan proved too costly and would have a build-up of silt, impacting navigation.

“As an alternative, and to maintain the creek as a local resource, the centre was born.

“Getting it off the ground involved close liaison with the PLA, the Environment Agency and landowners.

“The first design was for a converted barge, but feedback from a local boatowner suggested this wasn’t ideal.

“A concerted fundraising push, supported by Dame Joan Ruddock, the local MP at the time, and many others, made the transition to a land-based centre possible.

“It was a massive effort by all involved to quadruple the amount of money available and make the centre a reality.

Highs and lows

“Our ‘Curry on up the Creek’ evenings, coinciding with summer low tides, will stay long in my memory; a creekside walk, followed by locally-cooked, Indian food, enjoyed watching the sun go down. They were happy days.

“Not forgetting the day we hosted the finale of a torchlit procession of zombies through the narrow local streets, with our beach and rowing boats providing a stunning, closing backdrop. The actors’ and singers’ Victorian costumes and dusty faces still haunt me!

"There were low points too, of course. As a charity, we are dependent on donations and our finances have been on a knife edge at times. In 2006, we only had £500 in the bank. Our conservationist, Nick Bertrand, had to conduct our outreach work on a shoestring. I helped out, running the finances when I’d clocked off my day job. It was full on. Somehow, we hung on.”

Pandemic paralysis

“Then COVID-19 came along. It hit us pretty hard.  Paying visitors ceased in mid- March 2020. Our income stopped overnight.

“Lockdown meant all seven members of staff had to be furloughed or made redundant. It was heart breaking.

Road to recovery

“We’re hoping to spring back.

“Since last June, I have been back running the centre day-to-day, on a voluntary basis, with the support of our committed trustees.

“Our popular low-tide walks resume again in June, along with school visits. We can now offer venue hire again too, as well as provide natural habitat land management support to the professional building sector

“In a great team effort, we have just about managed to keep things ticking over. But we need help. Maintenance and running costs have eaten up most of our cash reserves. We desperately need more donations.

“We are extremely grateful for the emergency support we have received from Clifford Chance, Thames Water, Tideway and Lewisham Council. Their donations have literally kept us afloat.

“An injection of cash from Pulse Films, who used us as a location for an Ikea promotion, has really helped too.

“My sincere thanks go to all our sponsors. We’ve achieved so much together.”  

Future priorities

“As a charity in a changed world, we don’t underestimate the challenges ahead.

“We particularly want to get better at communicating our cause.

“We are for people and wildlife. The centre is a special and unique urban haven for wildlife and people, from across London.

“It is critical that we look at new ways of promoting what we do.

“The more money we raise, the more staff we can recruit in long-term roles.

“We are looking forward to resuming our work, enabling people of all ages to enjoy the creek and its wildlife, right in the heart of urban London.

“It’s very special to see people growing to appreciate and understand nature in the raw, making its own decisions.

“Being local and accessible is important to us.

“We are a great alternative to a trip to the seaside.

“Many Londoners know very little about the importance of the Thames to London.

“The centre is a chance to change that.”

Safety first

“Safety is paramount for everyone at the centre.

“The tide is fast-moving and the foreshore mud is deep. Both can catch people out, sometimes with serious consequences. Understanding that fosters a new-found respect for the river.

“It is why we are developing a new training programme, Creek Know How, which will launch on our website soon.”

Opportunities to help out

“I’d love to hear from people who want to train as a guide for low-tide walks, or help with our schools programme.

“Of course, money matters too.  A regular monthly donation of just £3 would make the world of difference, for example helping us purchase vital equipment, like waders to keep your visitors’ feet dry!”

Top tips

“I have many favourite places on the Thames, but high among them are Erith Marshes and Gravesend, where the river really widens out. I have a particular fascination for the working river.

Quick fire

• Perfect weekend? A coastal walk, plus comfortable pub accommodation, good local food and good company - accompanied by red wine, or G&T!
• First record ever bought? Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes.
• Pet hates? People who don't care and who don't listen!

If you would like to help Jill get the centre back on its feet, please contact her via [email protected] or visit their website.

National Volunteers’ Week runs from 1 – 7 June this year.