To ensure safety, some water sports activities -- like the use of personal watercraft, windsurfing or kiteboarding -- are restricted to certain areas of the river.
Essential, up to date safety information and advice for water sports participants and those supporting navigation and commercial shipping on the tidal Thames.
The use of personal water craft, commonly called jet skis, is restricted to Fobbing Creek and West Beach in Southend.
Waterskiing is authorised at Marsh End Sands, Tewkes Creek and Holehaven Creek.
Windsurfing is only advisable on the tidal Thames to the west of Putney Bridge and in the following areas provided that they are clear of the navigable channel and approaches to commercial berths:
- Erith Rands
- Mucking Flats
- Blyth Sands/All Hallows
- Southend Pier to Canvey Island (Thorney Bay)
Please refer to the Port of London Thames byelaws for full details, but in summary:
- Vessels are not to exceed a speed of 8 knots above Wandsworth Bridge, in all creeks linked to the tidal Thames, and off Southend-on-Sea. This limit is advisory at Coryton and Thurrock when gas tankers are berthed.
- There is a mandatory 12 knot speed limit which applies to vessels navigating above Margaretness unless a Certificate of Compliance has been issied by the PLA for the areas between Margaretness and St Saviour’s Dock and Lambeth Bridge and Wandsworth Bridge.
Observe these restrictions and the speed limits that have been put in place for your own safety and that of other mariners.
Advice on safely enjoying the tidal Thames from the Port of London Authority.
Stand-up Paddlers Safety Card
The Stand-up Paddlers Safety Card offers advice on staying safe on the River Thames while paddleboarding.
Ebb Tide Flag Warning
The latest Port of London Authority advice to river users about the current tidal fluvial flow on the River Thames.
Information on the Regulations Applicable to Pleasure Vessels
Pleasure craft can be considered to be vessels that are used for sport or recreational purposes only and do not operate for any financial gain to the owner.
The Tideway Code
Navigating any type of small recreational vessel on the tidal Thames, or Thames Tideway as it is also known, requires knowledge of the river and how it operates.
Recreational Users Guide
Navigating any type of small recreational vessel on the tidal Thames, or Thames Tideway as it is also known, requires knowledge of the river and how it operates.
Vessel Licensing Byelaws 2014
Navigating any type of small recreational vessel on the tidal Thames, or Thames Tideway as it is also known, requires knowledge of the river and how it operates.
Tidal Thames Navigators Club
A free membership offering you a range of benefits in addition to the latest safety and navigational information.
