As London experiences its fourth heatwave of the year, residents have flocked to the River Thames at Ham, the capital's only officially designated safe bathing spot, to cool off. Temperatures soared to 33°C on Wednesday, July 29, drawing swimmers, sunbathers, and boaters to the water.
First official bathing site on the Thames
The River Thames at Ham, located in Kingston upon Thames, was recently designated a 'Designated Bathing Water' by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This marks the first time a stretch of the Thames has received such a status. The site sits between Half Mile Tree and the YMCA Hawker Centre on Lower Ham Road in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
During the bathing water season, which runs from May 15 to September 30, the Environment Agency will test water quality regularly. However, the current water quality rating is 'unknown' because this is the first year of designation. The Environment Agency stated that 'no monitoring data is available yet to make a classification' and will take up to 20 water samples during the season, with results posted on its bathing water quality webpage.
Free access and growing popularity
The bathing site is free to use, and Londoners have been seen enjoying the water amid the heatwave. Photographs captured by Jordan Pettitt show people swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on boats at the spot. The designation is expected to boost the site's popularity as a natural swimming destination in the city.
Local officials have welcomed the designation, highlighting the importance of providing safe and clean swimming opportunities in urban areas. The Environment Agency's monitoring will ensure that water quality meets safety standards, though no results are yet available.
Heatwave drives demand for outdoor swimming
London's fourth heatwave of the year has driven many to seek relief in open water. The Thames at Ham offers a rare opportunity for safe river swimming within the capital. As climate change leads to more frequent heatwaves, designated bathing sites like this one may become increasingly vital for public health and recreation.
