Thames Alive

Thames Lock and Weir Keeper - 35017 - Environment Agency 35017 We have an exciting opportunity for someone to be part of our service and regulation of recreational activities on the River Thames at Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington locks. The key roles are to provide a front facing service to customers and to regulate river levels through weir operation. Th...

The EA have taken the sensible decision, for the health and wellbeing of the Lock and Weir Keepers (and volunteers), to not offer assisted passage at any lock site between the hours of 11am - 4pm on Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th June while the Red Heat Warning is in place.

We appreciate your understanding with this during these unusually high temperatures for the UK. At Grafton we recorded temperatures exceeding 37c on the lock side this afternoon and are aware of other locks reaching even higher.

As tempting as it may be to jump into the river to cool off, please be careful of not just what may be hidden in the water, but also the river is shallower than expected at some points and could lead to severe injuries. Also remember that cold water shock can affect even the most seasoned of water lovers.

Stay safe in the heat and take on board the advice being given out by all the different organisations on how to stay cool, and please keep an eye on one another.

We've become aware of some confusion around the location of the Environment Agency's newly designated Bathing Water Site.

The designated site is located by the YMCA Hawker Leisure Centre in Kingston upon Thames on the non-tidal Thames, as shown on the map.

It does not include Petersham Drawdock or River Lane.

If you choose to swim in any river, always consider the risks:

• Strong currents and other river hazards: Tidal currents can be powerful and unpredictable. Swimmers may also encounter underwater obstructions, passing vessels and changing river conditions.

• Cold water shock: Even during warmer weather, the water can remain cold enough to trigger an involuntary gasp response, rapid breathing and reduced ability to swim.

• Water quality can vary and may be affected by factors such as rainfall, runoff and sewage discharges.

Find out more on safe swimming locations ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04lSpHL0