A River Thames bathing site is opening in West London, which the council says is London's first official river bathing water site. The bathing spot at Ham and Kingston in Richmond is among 13 new sites to open as the official bathing season begins. Wild swimming fans will be happy to hear that the new location, opposite the length of Trowlock Island in Teddington, is free to use.
It follows overwhelming public backing during consultation, with the Ham and Kingston site receiving record levels of support. During the bathing water season, which started on May 15, the Environment Agency will regularly monitor water quality at the site and share information to help people better understand water conditions.
The site's arrival marks a big milestone in the Thames' water quality. Once a popular Victorian swimming location, it welcomed its first modern day Londoners hearty enough to brave a cold dip last Friday (May 15). The bathing water season runs until September 30 this year.
It comes as London is set to experience an exceptional late-May heatwave over the Bank Holiday weekend, with temperatures in the capital potentially peaking at a record-breaking 33C on Monday.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "The Thames is at the heart of life in Richmond upon Thames, so it's fantastic to see this stretch of river officially recognised for its recreational importance."
Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, added: "People have been swimming and spending time on this part of the Thames for years, so regular water quality testing and clearer public information throughout the bathing season are really positive steps forward and reflect the strong local support for cleaner waterways. As more people use and enjoy the river, we also want to make sure the surrounding riverside environment can support that growing interest in a safe and sustainable way."
The full list of new bathing spots opening around the UK from this month includes: Canvey Island foreshore, Essex; East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset; Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk; Granville Parade Beach, Sandgate, Kent; Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland; New Brighton Beach (east), Merseyside; Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon; Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire; Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury, Wiltshire; River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire; River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall; River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire; and River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London.
