Doing activities on the water

Find out about the safety risks when doing different activities on the water and how to prevent them. 

Before you plan an activity

When you plan an activity on the water, you should consider the following:

• get appropriate training to include survival and safety training, use the correct safety equipment; this may include a life-jacket. Consider joining a club for support and advice
• check the equipment that you are using to ensure that it is sound. 
• plan your activity
• always ensure that someone knows of your plans, particularly the time that you expect to return
• check weather forecasts and conditions before setting out and be prepared to change your plans if these are adverse
• take a means of communication with you like a mobile phone, if appropriate, flares or a whistle
• remember to keep to the right hand side of the river and give way to vessels that may find it more difficult to maneuver

It is a fact that people who get into difficulties whilst pursuing sporting activities have usually failed to take adequate safety precautions in light of the conditions and their ability. 

Water activities

Paddle boarding , kayaking and canoeing

There are 3 things you should do every time you go on the water:

Wear a buoyancy aid 

 A buoyancy aid will help you float in the water,  but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in. Buoyancy aids come in different sizes. 

You should make sure you:

• have the correct size aid so you can swim and keep your face above water 
• check the weight range and chest size so you can easily put it on and adjust
• have plenty of movement to paddle freely (snug not tight) 
• be worn on top of all other clothing
• have a whistle and light attached to PFDs is also recommended

Carry a phone in a waterproof pouch 

As well as being able to take photos of your paddle you can also use your mobile phone in an emergency to raise the alarm. 

Make sure you carry this on you (in a buoyancy aid pocket) so that you can get it easily if you are in trouble. A whistle can also help to attract attention. 

In an inland water emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire Service. 

Wear the correct leash 

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your board if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float. 

Choosing the correct leash is really important - most boards come with an ankle leash however these may not be suitable for the environment you are planning to paddle in. If you are paddling in tidal or flowing waters such as rivers where there is a risk of entrapment or being caught on an object then wear a quick release waist leash.

Rowing 

It is important that rowers who find themselves in the water do not panic and are able to respond so that they can keep themselves safe. 

Everyone taking part in rowing should be able to: 

• float unaided for at least five minutes
• swim at least 50 metres in light clothing (rowing kit) 
• tread water for at least two minutes 
• swim under water for at least five metres 

Those rowers who can only float or swim when wearing a buoyancy aid should also wear such an aid, or a lifejacket if coxing, whenever they are afloat. 

Is it safe to row 

Whether it is safe to row must be based on (but not limited to) the following factors: 

• flow rate / level - Molesey Lock to Teddington Lock includes Kingston. 
• weather (temperature, wind, thunder & lightning) 
• temperatures (air & water temperature) 
• time of Day (rowing in the dark is not encouraged) 
• visibility (the need to be seen) 

Swimming 

If it is your first time open water swimming or cold water dipping, it’s important to speak to a health care professional to discuss the risks of cold water immersion before you go. 

Always arrange to go with a buddy. Open water swimming is much more fun with someone else, and you can look out for each other. It’s also good to tell someone on shore where you are going and when you will be back. They’ll be able to call for help if you are overdue back. 

Before you enter the water: 

• assess the conditions. If the water is too rough for swimming, don’t get in
• know your limits – depending on the conditions, you may need to swim less or closer to the bank or shore
• the temperature of the air and water is also important – the colder the water and air temperature, the quicker you will cool down. So the colder it is, the less time you should spend in the water
• wear a wetsuit as it will help you stay warm and can increase your buoyancy, so you can stay in the water for longer 
• Wear a brightly coloured swimming hat and take a tow float with you when swimming or dipping
• always take a means of calling for help with you, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle to attract attention
• make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a warm drink for after your swim. It is important to warm yourself up carefully 

Pleasurecraft and Motorboats 

Safety Checklist 

You should: 

• always wear an appropriate lifejacket - everyone on board should have one that fits them correctly
• always carry a means of calling and signalling for help 
• make sure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an onboard briefing (in particular on the location and use of the safety equipment, including the spare kill cord for powerboats)
• get the right level of training for your craft
• always check the weather and tide times
• make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and who to call if you don't return on time 
• always drive your boat at a speed that is appropriate to the weather conditions and to the environment you are operating in 

Rules of the waterways

1. You must drive on the right and pass other boats port to port on all waterways.
2. On river, the boat coming downstream has right of way (for Kingston this would be boat's heading in the direction of Teddington lock have right of way).
3. Under bridges, the boat closest to the bridge has right of way. Keep right until the boat has passed.
4. Keep a good look out at all times, behind you as well as in front.
5. If you find yourself approaching another vessel head-on, you should sound one short blast and keep to the right (starboard).
6. When entering the river from a lock, pier or berth do not cross in front of another vessel.
7. At bridges, use the most starboard (right) arch available to you provided it does not compromise your safety.
8. Motor boats should always give way to sailing boats, rowing boats and larger passenger vessels which may have difficulty manoeuvring. 
9. Always slow down when you are approaching bridges, locks, bends or junctions, and when you pass boats or anglers.
10. The maximum speed limit on the non-tidal Thames is 8 km/h or 4.9 mph or 4.2 knots.

Walking or running 

Walking or running along the riverside is a very popular activity. 

How to stay safe: 

• be wary of all edges around the waterside, slips and falls happen in all locations and it doesn’t need to be a high ledge for the risk to be high 
• take care when walking in dark and slippery conditions, take particular care when water levels are high 
• take notice of any warning signs 
• always supervise children at the water's edge 
• never go into the water to rescue a dog. In most cases, dogs will be able to get out themselves and you may then become a casualty 
• learn the effects of cold water shock and how to float to live 

Fishing and angling

While fishing or angling you should be aware of the dangers of large bodies of water. 

To stay safe you should: 

• always wear a personal floatation device (PFD)
• always try to set up in a safe position with even ground as well as a possible exit point should you fall into the water 
• take a mobile phone with you and call 999 (ask for the Fire Service) if you see someone in trouble 
• identify local landmarks that can help to identify your precise location should an incident occur 
• avoid entering the water if the river has a strong current 
• remember flooded wellington boots or waders can make it very difficult to move in the event of any danger or emergency 
• be aware of local water hazards such as weirs, undercut banks or strong currents 
• learn the effects of cold water shock and how to float to live 

Tombstoning

Tombstoning is dangerous, it involves jumping or diving into the water from a height such as a bridge or pier. 

Don’t jump into the unknown as:

• rocks or submerged objects may not be visible. This can cause life changing injuries if you jump onto them
• water depths alter with the tide - the water may be shallower than it looks.
• the shock of cold water can make it difficult to swim 
• conditions can change rapidly making it impossible to know if it is safe
• strong currents can rapidly sweep people away or make it impossible to get out 

Clothing and equipment for the water

We recommend using specialist clothing and equipment when doing water activities. 

This includes:

• Wear a personal floatation device (PFD) which which has been serviced and has the correct weight baring capacity for the user, it must remain done-up at all time whilst afloat
• going barefoot is not recommended on the Tideway. Suitable water sports shoes or boots for getting on and off the water. Tideway users may need to walk on an uneven foreshore or boating hard with the risk of rocks, rubbish and sharp objects
• rowers and paddlers must ensure that they are wearing suitable clothing for the (forecast) conditions
• peaked hats and sunglasses for protection in hot, sunny weather, wind, rain and cold temperatures will require additional layers 
• pogies (hand warmers) to keep hands warm in very cold conditions
• wetsuits and perhaps even dry suits in the winter 
• suitable and effective boat lights if afloat in the dark or in poor visibility
• a whistle (ideally attached to a PFD) 
• paddle leash and/or spare paddle(s) 
• spare clothes (in a dry bag) 
• a pump 
• gloves
• rigger jigger (spanner) 

The Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

The Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code is a best practice guide for vessels carrying no more than 12 passengers on inland waters designed to ensure safety, technical and competency standards are met.