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Thames Danger: Kids Warned of Hidden River Risks
8 Jul
Summary
- A safety campaign targets 10-16 year olds before school holidays.
- The Thames can flow at 5mph with seven-metre tide fluctuations.
- Young people are urged to call 999 and assist from shore.
A critical safety campaign, 'See the River, See the Risk', has been launched to educate children about the dangers of the River Thames. This initiative follows a series of water-related deaths across the UK during recent heatwaves. The campaign specifically targets 10 to 16-year-olds in London, Kent, and Essex, ahead of the school holidays.
The Port of London Authority (PLA) highlights that the Thames can reach speeds of up to 5mph, with tidal changes causing water levels to rise and fall by as much as seven metres. Despite knowing the river can be dangerous, young people may underestimate risks when with friends or caught up in the moment.
Educational materials, including a short film, are being distributed to schools. The PLA also advises bystanders not to enter the water but to call 999, encourage the person to float, throw something that floats, and keep them in sight until help arrives. Drowning rates for children in London have seen a significant increase.
