#SaferThames: Dangers for Thames sun seekers

A surge in swimmers and unsuitable inflatables on the Thames in London during the COVID-19 lockdown is putting lives at risk.

That’s the warning from the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum (TTWSF), representing all the bodies involved in preventing drownings on the river, from Teddington to the North Sea.

Ahead of the Royal Lifesaving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week (12 -19 June 2020), the group’s advice to all those taking to the Thames is that hidden dangers lie in entering the capital’s river, particularly for untrained and inexperienced water users.

Mark Towens, the Port of London Authority (PLA) harbour master for the river in London, chairs the TTWSF. He said: “The early summer sunshine, possibly linked to people being either furloughed or working from home, saw a marked increase in people venturing out into the river, many using inflatables suitable only for use in swimming pools.

“We recognise the allure of the river for people seeking rest and recreation, particularly at this time, but our advice to anybody taking to the river on impulse, particularly less able swimmers and the inexperienced, is clear: Stay out of the water. It could cost you your life.

“Even the fittest athlete can find themselves challenged by the river’s powers. It flows at the speed of an Olympic swimmer and has a daily tidal rise and fall of seven metres.

“The risk of cold water shock – causing the heart to go into seizure - is also a year-round phenomenon.

“On top of this, there is the risk of colliding with vessels on the river or being injured by infrastructure along the banks of the foreshore, often hidden beneath the waterline. The deep mud of the foreshore can also trap people, creating a serious risk of death, given the speed of the river’s ebb and flow.”

The TTWSF’s other members (the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, London Ambulance Service and Maritime & Coastguard Agency), have recently been involved in helping swimmers in the river who have unexpectedly found themselves in difficulty.

Any member of the public who spots someone in the river in trouble should always call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard, rather than attempt a rescue themselves.