12.02.2014

Thames Safety Warning as Heavy Rain Causes Strong River Flows

The persistent heavy rain in southern England is causing very strong and fast flows in the Thames west of the capital. The abnormally high volumes of water flowing off the land has resulted in flows on the tidal Thames between Teddington and central London many times greater than normal.

This very strong ‘fluvial flow’ – up to four times stronger than normal during the ebb tide especially - has led to a number of accidents involving man-powered vessels. In January there were 20 rescues of which four were capsized rowing boats. So far fifteen rowers have been pulled from the water.

In these incidents, river users have been caught by the severe strength of flow and swept onto moorings and piers. In one case, nine rowers needed rescuing when their boat was swept under moorings and broken by the strength of the River. In another incident the coaching launch also foundered.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) which oversees safety on the tidal Thames has issued formal safety warnings to all recreational craft users and has also written directly to schools, colleges and universities. A particular concern is over young and novice crews attempting to row during these fast river flows.

The PLA has also introduced a new web-based safety indicator system. The ‘Ebb Tide Flag Warning’ system alerts rowers, canoeists, and other small recreational vessels of conditions on the river. This system is mainly for when the ebb tide and fluvial flows combine to make river conditions very perilous.

PLA chief harbour master David Phillips explained:

“The recent prolonged rain is resulting in immensely powerful flows on the tidal Thames in west London many times greater than normal. This makes it extremely challenging for even the most experienced rower or canoeist.

“We have therefore introduced a simple ‘Flag Warning’ system to cover abnormally strong ebb tide conditions such as we are experiencing now, which recreational users can check before they head out. It is posted on our websites. If a red flag is showing – we urge extreme caution and advise man-powered vessels not to go afloat. If a yellow flag is showing - we advise particularly schools, novices or junior crews or those that do not regularly use the tidal Thames not to go afloat.

“The Thames in west London is a centre for rowing and paddling activities by all age groups. We have highlighted the current hazards to novices and young people - as these conditions are challenging enough for experienced adults, able to make their own decisions for their own safety. We want first experiences of the Thames to be in safer conditions.”

Martin Humphrys, chairman of the Thames Regional Rowing Council (TRRC) said:

“The tidal Thames is flowing at an unprecedented rate: even oarsmen who have been on the river 50 years man and boy have never experienced such conditions. I cannot emphasise too strongly the potential hazards to rowers at this time.”

Kevin East from Canoe England said:

“The high flows being experienced on many waterways including the tidal Thames are significantly faster and creating more turbulence than normal. Canoe England strongly advises canoeists to recognise the possible dangers from these extraordinary conditions.”

The PLA expects the strong river flow to continue for some weeks, even if the weather improves.

The new tidal flow alert system can be found at: www.boatingonthethames.co.uk and at www.pla.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• The Port of London Authority (PLA) is responsible for safety and related river matters on 95 miles (150km) of the tidal Thames from Teddington in west London all the way to the sea
• There will be three main levels of advice, which are:

• RED FLAG
• YELLOW FLAG
• GREEN FLAG

With each flag warning, the following advice will be issued, which all recreational craft users should consider carefully before venturing onto the tidal Thames:

In addition there will be a fourth level for all river users to note; when there are low fluvial flows: