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Cross Deep to Kings Reach - Teddington Lock to Coin Street - Thames Challenge Event
| Notice Ref | U25-25 |
| Issuer | Tom Griffiths |
| Issuer Role | Assistant Harbour Master |
| Issue Date | 29/08/2025 |
| Expiration Date | 05/09/2025 |
| District | Upper |
| Reach(es) | Cross Deep to Kings Reach |
Mariners are advised that on Thursday 4th September 2025, the ‘Thames Swim Challenge’ will take place on the Tidal Thames. This will mark the conclusion of the 200km marathon relay event, which departs Lechlade on 1st September.
This event involves 8 world class athletes and due to the dangers of swimming in the tidal Thames has been broken down into two parts:
| Approximate Timings | Activity | Description |
| 1230 - 1515 | Swim | Teddington to Putney Participants departing Teddington Locak at 1230, swimming downriver. Participants will briefly spread out for a single photo opportunity near to the Syon Reach Port Hand Marker. Competitors are expected to arrive at Putney Hard for approximately 1515. |
| 1515 - 1645 | Kayak | Putney to Coin Street. The swimmers will transfer to kayaks at Putney Hard and complete the final leg of the event to Parliament before exiting the river at Gabriel’s Wharf. The kayaks are expected to depart Putney at around 1515, before paddling down the starboard side of the river to Gabriel’s Wharf. |
The 8 athletes will remain as a single group and be escorted by 4 vessels (2 kayaks, 1 safety RHIB, 1 media RHIB), as well as a PLA Harbour Service Lauch to Putney. The athletes and accompanying vessels will stay as close practicable to the starboard side of the river throughout. This means at times the event will proceed through the inshore zone.
All Vessels navigating in the area, including human powered vessels, should note that:
- Athletes and any associated vessels are required to navigate in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS).
- Owing to the nature of the event, participants on the Tideway may be fatigued and should be treated with due consideration.
- Participants will be swimming or in kayaks. By their nature they will be vulnerable to the effect of wash and unable to quickly manoeuvre.
Furthermore, vessels not involved in the event should note:
- All vessels in the area are to be aware of the event, ensure they maintain a proper lookout and navigate with extreme caution, keeping wash to a minimum.
- Rowers and other small leisure craft not involved in the event should avoid obstructing competitors where possible. Particularly those heading upriver.
- Where safe and practicable, motor vessels should reduce speed to the minimum at which they can maintain their course when passing participants.
Event safety assets will be deployed alongside the event and will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 14.
Last updated: 2025-09-02 20:32:49
