06.02.2012

New Film Targets Safety in Thames Rowing Hub

Filming took place in late 2011 - click on image to enlarge

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has launched a second film to help rowers use the tidal Thames safely, this time focusing on rowing in the upper district of the river.

The film is principally aimed at providing rowers who are new to the river with a simple guide to the unique Code of Conduct for safe rowing on the tidal Thames.  The PLA is encouraging other navigators on this busy stretch of river to watch the film too, so that they fully understand the principles of the Rowing Code.  The Code was developed by the PLA and Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC) and launched in 2006.

The PLA’s assistant harbour master (upper) Richmond, Alex Brown, explained:

“The unique set of rules that the TRRC and the PLA have developed to make rowing on the upper tidal Thames as safe as possible have already been published in a number of different formats.  However as these rules need to be understood by such a large section of the domestic rowing community and many crews from abroad, we felt that a short film would be a real aid to safety.  In just five minutes this film should give rowers enough information to stay safe and to follow the advice of the rowing code.

“This film isn’t just aimed at rowers though.  Safe navigation depends on everyone on a stretch of river knowing and understanding the same set of rules. That’s why the film covers the needs of other navigators on the upper reaches of the tidal Thames too.”

The development of the new film follows the successful launch in 2010 of two films showing how to navigate safely between Tower Bridge and Westminster in a rowing boat and in a narrow boat.  The films are part of a wider PLA initiative to help all leisure users of the river enjoy the Thames in safety.  The films can be accessed on the dedicated leisure website – www.boatingonthethames.co.uk – created specially by the PLA.

The film was shot in late 2011 with the generous assistance of the University of London Boat Club.