River Thames Handbook NRA National R irei A u l hom y Tha mei Region he National Rivers Authority, opportunity to enjoy their activity, Thames Region, encourages without impairing the enjoyment of 7the pursuit of a variety of recreationalothers. activities along the 136 miles of the This booklet aims to help freshwater River Thames for which everyone to co n d u ct the ir ow n it is the m a n a g in g authority. activity in safety and to foster good It must cater for:- relations and a spirit o f Anglers, Boating enthusiasts, understanding amongst all river Canoeists, Dinghy sailors and users b y explaining the needs and Yachtsmen, Holidaymakers in hired limitations of each different activity. craft, Naturalists, Oarsmen, Swimmers Please read the sections about and Sub-aqua divers and Walkers. activities other than your own since With so many interests competing this will help you to appreciate the for space, is the River large enough problems of others. to a cco m m o d a te them all without Nine River User Groups have conflict and risk to personal safety? been established to encourage The answer is yes-provided that better understanding amongst all river users are safety conscious rivers users. Between them they and practise good river manners. cover the length of the Thames, The NRA, Thames Region’s job is to including the tidal section between ensure everyone has an equal Teddington and Tower Bridge which CONTENTS falls under the navigational control GENERAL GUIDANCE NOTES 4 of the Port of London Authority. They GENERAL RIVER SAFETY 5 are m ade up o f representatives from GUIDANCE FOR SPECIFIC WATER SPORTS 6 the various clubs, sporting ANGLERS 6 associations, commercial firms and CAMPING AND PICNICKING 7 others who use the River. The CANOEISTS appropriate District Navigation 7 Inspector (see “useful addresses ") DIVERS 8 w ill be able to give you the nam e and MOTORISED CRAFT 8 address of the Group that covers Before using your craft 8 your stretch. If you belong to a club Basic equipment 9 that uses the river, encourage it to Once aboard 10 seek representation on the When underway 10 appropriate Group. Locks 12 The NRA, Thames Region are Anchoring and mooring 12 grateful to the R. U. G.s Navigation rules and hints 12 for all the help they Dredgers and tugs 13 have given. COMMERCIAL USERS OF MOTORISED CRAFT -ADDITIONAL ADVICE 13 ROWING AND SCULLING 14 SAILING AND BOARDSAILING 14 SWIMMING AND RUDDLING 15 WALKING 15 E n v i r o n m e n t A g e n c y GENERAL NAVIGATION INFORMATION 16 CONNECTING WATERWAYS 16 MARKING OF OBSTRUCTIONS 17 NATIONAL LIBRARY & 24 HOUR MOORINGS 18 INFORMATION SERVICE PUBLIC SLIPWAYS AND LAUNCHING SITES 18 LOCK STAFF HOURS OF DUTY 19 HEAD OFFICE LOCK FACILITIES AND DIMENSIONS 19 Rio House, Waterside Drive, TABLE OF DISTANCES Aztec West, Almondsbury, 24 Bristol BS32 4UD HEADWAYS OF BRIDGES, LECHLADE TO TEDDINGTON 25 SEWAGE PUMP-OUT STATIONS 26 RIVER KENNET 26 USEFUL ADDRESSES 27 GENERAL GUIDANCE NOTES • Learn about other activities by reading or rubbish into the water or leave it on the the whole of this booklet so you can banks. appreciate their needs and help them if • Conserve the environment and try not possible. Learn and watch out for the to damage river banks, vegetation and various signals used to indicate other wildlife. The river is a nature reserve and a sporting activities. range of animals depends upon it for their • Obtain a copy of "The Water Sports existence. Code” from the Sports Council for further • Sometimes items of historical or advice. archaeological interest may be found. • Show understanding to others when The Recreation and Conservation they are engaged in organised Manager (see useful addresses) should competition. be contacted with regard to ownership or • For river activities to run smoothly, it is importance of such items. necessary to coordinate organised activities with those of other river users Regulations and ensure the Manager and Chief • There are various regulations Inspector, Navigation is consulted in governing the use of the Thames and its advance of any event (see useful banks for boaters of all sorts, anglers, addresses). riparian owners, towpath walkers, etc. • Peace and quiet is one of the Whether you want to erect a landing stage attractions of the river and sound carries or hold a regatta, organise a fishing match well, particularly at night. Rememberthat or a sponsored walk - please - check excessive noise is a source of nuisance to with the relevant NRA Thames Region others. departm ent (see useful addresses) and • Please avoid pollution. Never throw litter the Specific Activity Sections of this booklet. GENERAL RIVER SAFETY • The River can be both fun and • When large, yellow ‘Caution Stream dangerous and due account must be increasing/decreasing’ warning boards taken of prevailing river conditions. All are displayed at locks, all unpowered craft river activities can be enjoyed with are advised to moor up until the stream minimum risk if some simple guidelines abates. When ‘increasing’ stream is on safety are followed. You will find some indicated, powered vessels are advised of these in the “Specific Activities" to seek safe mooring. When ‘decreasing’ sections. stream is indicated, powered vessels may • Be aware of the potential health risks proceed with caution. associated with water recreation. Obtain a •C hildren should always be copy of the NRA Thames Region’s leaflet accompanied by an adult when visiting or ‘Water Wisdom’ for advice on healthy playing on or near water. water recreation. Contact the Public • In the event of a river accident, ring the Relations Office (see useful addresses). emergency services on 999 or tell the nearest lock-keeper who will summon Learn how to avoid accidents assistance. • Unfortunately, every year there are accidents on the River, many of which are Learn how to cope if an accident very serious - some even fatal:— should occur • Weirs are dangerous areas; warning • You should:- signs should always be respected. It is a) Know how to help a person in both dangerous and illegal to interfere difficulties in the water with weir gates and sluices. If this appears b) Learn an approved resuscitation necessary in an emergency, seek the technique - a small booklet, advice and help of the lock-keeper. “Resuscitation G uide” is available from • Any river activity is at greater risk when the Resuscitation Council at a cost of there are strong currents, high river levels £1.00, with a discount for bulk orders. or cold weather conditions. Don’t take (See useful addresses). risks and never underestimate the power of the River. In strong stream conditions it is advisable to keep off the River. • When large red ‘Caution Strong Stream’ warning boards are displayed at locks, all craft are advised to moor up until the stream abates. c) Learn how to administer First Aid d) Learn how to deal with hypothermia If in doubt, do not put yourself at ris k - get help GUIDANCE FOR SPECIFIC WATER SPORTS Governing bodies of water sports produce rules for safety and other matters. These should be read and understood before taking partin any activity. between cable and fishing rod may cause ANGLERS fatal injury. Before going fishing • Keep an eye on any children with you, • C heck you are carrying a valid rod to check they do not get into difficulties. licence (if you are over 12). These are • Take your litter home, obtainable from tackle dealers or from the especially discarded NRA, Thames Region (see useful tackle. Fishing hooks, and addresses). nylon line are dangerous • C heck you have perm ission to fish; to birds and animals. fishing in the Thames above Staines is not Wasted line should be necessarily public and possession of a rod taken home and burnt. licence does not give you the right to fish. The use of lead shot (between the weights • You may fish certain weirs with a permit. 0.06 and 28.35 g) for fishing is now For further details, please contact Craft prohibited - use lead-free alternatives. Registration and Rod and Line Licences • Follow the Country Code; shut gates, (see useful addresses). keep to footpaths, guard against fire • Observe the fishing rules and byelaws and respect wildlife. applicable to the stretch you are fishing. • All craft have a right to navigate the Fishing in lock cuts and approaches to full width of the river. Although asked locks is not perm itted between 15 March to take care, they can inadvertently and 31 O ctober inclusive. At no time is it carry away fishing tackle as it is often permissible to fish from or over lock lay-bys; difficult to see the line. This often O n or by the River • Take care when casting and ground baiting and remember your hooks, lines and ledger weights can be dangerous. Look behind and in front to ensure the area is clear. • Beware of fishing near overhead electric cables. Contact or close proximity happens accidentally when anglers are collisions by keeping to the right - the hidden from view by bankside vegetation normal practice of seamen and oarsmen. ^ and should not be regarded as a • Buoyancy aids or life jackets should be / f deliberate spoiling of your sport. worn at all times and helmets when in wild • If fishing at vacant regular mooring water. Canoeists should preferably have- places, please be prepared to move if a had formal instruction, and be able to swim. vessel wishes to moor. • Some weirs and sluice gates provide • Take particular care when fishing from ideal conditions for wild water canoeing a boat.