Safety on The River Thames - What to look for?

The River Thames is one of London's main attractions as well as a major passage for traffic including commuters, revellers, aggregates, waste, the list goes on. Many Londoners use the river daily, others visit to view the historic sights and for some it is a source of employment.

As with every walk of life, health and safety has become the most important factor in the use of the Thames in London. The Tidal Thames is now regarded as one of the safest, if not the safest, major waterway in Europe. In fact many countries look to the River Thames for helping improve their procedures, policies and safety management systems.

The river Thames like all natures wonders has the potential to be a very dangerous place. Due to the large tide the water levels fluctuates by a massive 7 meters twice daily. This is a large amount of water to be flowing in and out of London and creates strong currents particularly around fixed structures like the bridges and piers. Add to this congestion from the many Thames boats, both commercial and pleasure craft as well as sightseeing tripper boats and the high-speed river bus services. It is a busy place with many opportunities for problems which is why it is so strictly regulated.

As well as the regular boat movements there are other things happening which need extra safety cover such as the maintenance and construction of bridges and buildings on or over the River Thames. Workmen require safety cover so if the worst should happen and they fall into the river a trained and competent safety boat master can retrieve them. Other situations where extra safety cover is required includes filming stunt sequences, both for major Hollywood feature films and TV shows. This is a more intense form of cover with specific dive support teams and safety boats to retrieve stuntmen from the River's waters.

The river Thames is also patrolled by both the police and lifeguard services in specially equipped boats, Overall with an exceptional overall safety record the River Thames in London is now regarded as one of the safest waterways in Europe.