The Thames could get its first official swimming spot – but is it safe to swim there?
Although it is not quite the weather to imagine it yet, you could soon be voluntarily taking a refreshing dip in the River Thames.
The section of the Thames which flows through Ham and Kingston could soon become the first official bathing site on the river.
It is one of 13 new designated swimming sites proposed by the Government.
The spot would mark a ‘vast transformation’ in water quality in the river – which was declared biologically dead in the 1950s due to pollution.
To this day, it is still not meeting water quality targets set out by law, with pollution from roads, agriculture and micro-plastics all present.
But the biggest issue has been sewage pollution, with 14.2 billion litres dumped in the river in 2023 – making for a less than luxurious swim.
The water is also regularly found to be ‘too alkaline’ to support healthy wildlife, according to tests.
Where are the proposed new swimming sites?
Will the River Thames be safe to swim in?
Designated swimming spots mean sites are subject to more water quality testing.
This gives locals a better idea of what they are actually swimming in, which campaigners hope will increase pressure for river clean-ups.
But this does not necessarily mean the Thames will be safe to swim in if it is ever designated as an official bathing spot.
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Last year, 32 sites out of 464 failed to meet minimum standards for water quality.
So it will be up to local campaigners to ensure the water is safe to swim in.
Water minister Emma Hardy said: ‘Rivers and beaches are at the heart of so many communities, where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely.
‘Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people.
‘This comes alongside this Government’s generational reform of the water system that will cut water pollution and clean up our rivers lakes and seas for good.’
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