London May Get First Official Place to Swim in River Thames

A plan is being considered to allow swimming in the River Thames in London. This would mean checking the water quality often to make sure it is safe for people. It is part of a bigger plan to have more safe places to swim in rivers and at the beach across England.
By Newsroom | Environment, London |

A proposal to designate the River Thames in London for official bathing marks a significant step towards improving water quality in the capital's primary waterway. This move, if approved, would introduce regular water quality testing at the proposed site, offering the public more assurance about safety for swimming and water sports. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to expand designated bathing areas across England and underscores a renewed focus on the ecological health and recreational use of the nation's rivers.

Background and Context

The proposal is part of a public consultation for thirteen new bathing water sites across England. If these proposals are accepted, the number of official bathing sites in England would rise to 464. The River Thames site, located between Kingston town centre and Ham in south-west London, could become the city's first officially recognized river bathing spot. This development occurs as seals have been observed returning to the Thames Estuary, with some venturing further upriver into London, a positive ecological indicator. Concurrently, efforts have been made to remove substantial amounts of wet wipes from the river, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges.

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The government has updated its bathing water system to allow for more flexible monitoring dates, aligning with periods when people are most likely to use these sites for recreation. Furthermore, the definition of "bather" has been broadened to encompass individuals participating in water sports like paddleboarding and surfing.

Proposed Bathing Locations

In addition to the River Thames proposal, the consultation includes twelve other potential bathing sites across England:

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  • East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset: Known as a filming location for the ITV drama "Broadchurch."

  • Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex: A sandy beach frequented by families.

  • Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire: A riverside area that served as inspiration for "The Wind in the Willows."

  • Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury, Wiltshire: Features the River Avon flowing through a green space established to commemorate Queen Elizabeth I's coronation.

  • Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland: A crescent of sand situated between the River Coquet and the North Sea, popular with locals.

  • Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon: A narrow tidal inlet off the River Yealm, located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall: A tidal river that runs through the town center.

  • River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire: Characterized by waterfalls cascading over limestone steps.

  • Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk: A community riverside space on the River Waveney.

  • New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside: A seaside resort situated at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary.

  • River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire: A location popular for families and water sports.

Water Quality and Designation

Designating a site as a bathing water means it will be subject to regular water quality testing throughout the bathing season, which runs from May 15 to September 30. This testing provides the public with reliable data on water conditions. While this represents a potential improvement for the Thames, England's current river bathing sites face challenges, with most of the existing fourteen river bathing sites rated as poor. This contrasts with France, which has over 1,200 inland bathing sites, a majority of which are rated as excellent.

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There are ongoing concerns about pollution in London's rivers. For example, sewage levels in the River Roding in east London have been found to cause poor water quality readings. Testing of an outfall pipe revealed high levels of ammonia, indicating the presence of sewage where only rainwater should be flowing. Conservationists advocate for reforms in river management and the establishment of clear targets to enhance the swimmability of London's waterways.

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Vision for River Reclaimation

Initiatives like Thames Baths propose the reintroduction of swimming in the River Thames, drawing inspiration from successful projects in other cities. Their vision aims to encourage people in urban areas worldwide to utilize their rivers for swimming and other public activities, fostering a connection with these natural resources. This movement seeks to establish replicable and licensable natural swimming baths, allowing safe river swimming in various urban environments.

Expert Insights

Emma Hardy, Water Minister, announced the public consultation, emphasizing that these proposals aim to give local communities greater confidence to enjoy their cherished rivers and beaches. She stated, "Communities across the country could soon benefit from thirteen new designated bathing spots, giving local people greater confidence to enjoy the rivers and beaches they cherish."

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Barrister Paul Powlesland of the River Roding Trust highlighted the challenges, noting, "There only should be been rainwater flowing from this type of pipe," in reference to sewage detected in an outfall. This observation underscores the complexity of addressing pollution sources in urban rivers.

Conclusion and Implications

The proposal for an official bathing area on the River Thames in London signifies a significant shift in the approach to the river's usability and environmental health. It offers a prospect for increased public engagement with the river, provided water quality can meet the required standards. The success of this designation hinges on the outcomes of the public consultation and the sustained efforts to improve and maintain water quality. The initiative aligns with broader governmental goals to enhance bathing water provisions across England, though it also brings into focus the existing environmental challenges that must be overcome for widespread, safe river recreation.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can people swim in the River Thames now?
Not in an official place. This plan could make a part of the river safe for swimming and water sports.
Q: Why is this happening?
The plan is to make the river water cleaner and safer for people to enjoy. It is also part of a larger effort to improve rivers in England.
Q: Will the water be tested?
Yes, if the plan is approved, the water quality will be checked often during the summer months.
Q: Are there other places like this?
The plan includes 12 other places in England that could become official bathing spots.
Q: Is the Thames clean enough to swim in?
There are still problems with pollution in the river, like sewage. This plan aims to help fix those problems so people can swim safely.