25.11.2016

Latest Thames recreational users’ guide is Christmas reading essential

A free guide helping leisure users safely to get the most out of Britain’s most famous tidal river has been revamped by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

Every year the Thames attracts many thousands of recreational river users, including stand-up-paddle-boarders, canoeists, rowers and motor boaters. The PLA’s two-sided, easy-to-read river guide provides them with practical tips for safe navigation, points of interest for leisure users as well as details of visitor moorings.

It has a wealth of all-important information river users might need: handy phone numbers, clearly drawn maps, ebb tide flag warning advice and useful web links. The revised or latest edition of the waterproof guide also comes with updates about port buoyage.

Assistant harbour master (recreational) Darren Knight said:

“We are very proud of the latest guide. We were very keen with this edition to make it more readable and to get it out well before Christmas as it will make essential reading for some in the run up to the festive season. Our launch crews often see people coming down to the river on Christmas Day trying out their presents, so it’s really important they read up on how to stay safe before getting afloat.”

“For the first time, after reader feedback, we’ve included the location of visitor moorings, as well as the relevant contact information for the booking of these facilities.”

The guide comes complete with the well established practical guidance, marine/leisure activity areas, danger zones, Vessel Traffic Services information and port VHF channels. There’s also a summary of local port rules and regulations too.

A free copy of the new recreational guide can be requested by emailing: [email protected]. You can download copies from http://www.pla.co.uk/Safety/River-User-Guidance-Documents

ENDS