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17.07.2015

Latest Thames safety campaign aims to look after vulnerable river users

Who you gonna call? posterThe latest Port of London Authority (PLA) safety campaign is looking to improve all river users’ awareness of how to share the river safely with smaller, vulnerable recreational craft on the tidal Thames.

“This campaign is aimed not only at encouraging paddlers and rowers to make themselves more visible and improve their river safety,” explained the PLA’s dedicated recreation harbour master, Jon Beckett, “we also want to make skippers of motor cruisers, sailing boats and commercial vessels, more aware of the vulnerabilities of smaller, more exposed vessels.”

The campaign features seven posters focusing on themes including: the need for suitable lights and high viz clothing, being mindful of causing ‘wash’ which can tip rowers out of their boats, river positioning, lifejackets and being aware of river traffic density in central London. The posters are being progressively distributed to river users, rowing and other sporting clubs along the river. The next posters to be issued are: ‘Lost in the Urban Jungle’ and ‘Who you gonna call?’.

Paul Hyman, stand-up paddle boarder and managing director of Active360 has welcomed the campaign. He said:

“We love getting out on the Thames. Paddling through London is one of the best feelings, but we need to make sure we stay in the right places and are visible to the larger boats. The campaign’s really good for us as a reminder of the simple things we need to do to stay safe. Just as importantly, it’s making sure that the skippers of the bigger boats are looking out for us and helping us stay safe.”

The latest PLA river safety initiative follows on from the ‘Lookout!’ campaign, developed with the Thames Regional Rowing Council and launched last year.

More information and advice on enjoying recreation on the Thames safely can be found on the PLA’s recreational website: www.boatingonthethames.co.uk


About the tidal Thames and the PLA

  • The tidal Thames is 95 miles of river, running from Teddington Lock, through central London to the North Sea.
  • The river is a thriving hub for sporting and recreational activities, with many thousands of people taking to the river every year and competitions including the Boat Race and Great River Race.
  • The PLA is a self-financing organisation which runs the tidal Thames in trust for future generations.
  • Our 350-strong workforce oversees safe navigation, protects the marine environment and promotes the use of the river.
  • We have no shareholders and any financial surpluses are reinvested in stewardship of the river and improving the efficiency of our operations.

For more press information contact:

Tom Conroy
Communications Manager
Port of London Authority
Direct Line: 01474 562246
Mobile: 07951 748904
Email: [email protected]