Safety on the Tidal Thames
This is not a canal. The Thames is a tidal river with commercial shipping.
In an Emergency
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard (they coordinate Thames rescues, not the police).
- If you have a VHF radio, call on Ch 16 (distress) or Ch 14 (PLA London VTS).
- PLA emergency: 020 7743 7900
- Stay with your kayak or board — it is more visible than you in the water.
- Blow your whistle: six blasts = distress signal.
- If you see someone else in trouble, call 999 immediately. Do not attempt a rescue unless you are trained and equipped to do so.
■ The tidal Thames through London is a busy commercial waterway with strong tidal currents (up to 4+ knots on spring tides), large commercial vessels, and significant hazards. It demands respect, preparation, and skill. If you are new to tidal paddling, your first time on the Tideway should be with a qualified guide or club — not alone.
The Tideway Code (Key Points for Paddlers)
The Tideway Code is published by the Port of London Authority (PLA) and applies to all recreational users. These are the key points for paddlers:
1. Stay near the shore
Paddle within the inshore zone (within ~20m of the bank). Never paddle in the centre channel (the deep-water route used by commercial vessels). You WILL NOT be seen by large ships in time.
2. Be visible
Wear bright/hi-vis clothing. Your kayak should be a visible colour. In reduced visibility, carry a white light. Commercial vessel operators have limited visibility — make yourself as conspicuous as possible.
3. Know the tides
Check tide times before you go. Understand whether the tide is flooding (coming in) or ebbing (going out), and plan your paddle to work WITH the current, not against it. Never underestimate tidal current strength.
4. Be prepared
Wear a buoyancy aid (PFD) at all times on the water. Carry a waterproof phone. Attach a whistle to your PFD. Tell someone your plan. Know where the exit points are along your route.
5. Give way to larger vessels
Under the collision regulations AND PLA bylaws, you must keep clear of all commercial vessels, passenger boats, and sailing vessels. If in doubt, give way. A Thames Clipper cannot stop quickly.
6. Cross quickly
If you must cross the river, do it at right angles, quickly, and at a point where you have good visibility upstream and downstream. Never linger mid-river.
7. Notify PLA for groups
Groups of 6 or more craft should notify PLA in advance via their online form. Individual paddlers do not normally need to notify, but should monitor VHF Ch 14 if they carry a radio.
8. Avoid restricted areas
Some areas are restricted (e.g., near Westminster during parliamentary sessions, around active construction sites). Check PLA Notices to Mariners before paddling.
This is a summary. Read the full Tideway Code at pla.co.uk.
Required Equipment
- ✓Buoyancy aid (PFD) — Worn at all times on the water. Must fit properly and not ride up.
- ✓Waterproof phone case — Attached to you, not the boat. Your lifeline for calling 999 / VHF Coast Guard.
- ✓Whistle — Attached to your PFD. Six blasts = distress signal.
- ✓Bright/hi-vis clothing — You are small and hard to see. Make yourself visible.
- ✓Suitable kayak — A sit-in touring kayak or sea kayak with spraydeck is recommended for the Tideway. Sit-on-tops are acceptable in calm conditions but offer less control in chop.
- +Recommended: VHF radio — Monitor Ch 14 (PLA London VTS) to hear about commercial vessel movements.
- +Recommended: Paddle leash — If you capsize, you do not want to lose your paddle in the current.
- +Recommended: Towline — In case you need to tow or be towed.
SUP Equipment
- ✓Leash — Ankle or waist leash attached at all times. Your board WILL blow away faster than you can swim. This is the single most critical piece of SUP safety equipment.
- ✓Buoyancy aid (PFD) — Worn at all times. A waist-belt PFD is popular for SUP but any approved PFD is fine.
- ✓Wetsuit or drysuit — Dress for the water temperature, not the air. The Thames is cold year-round.
- ✓Fin checked and secure — A loose fin can detach mid-paddle, leaving you with no tracking or control.
- +Recommended: Deck bag — For water, snacks, and phone. Keeps essentials within reach.
- +Recommended: Paddle float or spare paddle — Useful for self-rescue if you fall and struggle to remount.
Solo Paddling
Solo paddling on the tidal Thames carries additional risk. There is nobody to help if you capsize, get injured, or encounter problems. If you choose to paddle solo:
- Tell someone your exact plan: launch point, route, and expected return time.
- Carry a fully charged phone in a waterproof case, attached to your person.
- Stick to the shore — never paddle mid-river alone.
- Know your exit points before you launch.
- Set a turn-back time and honour it. No exceptions.
- If in doubt, do not go out. The river will be here tomorrow.
When NOT to Paddle
Do not paddle on the tidal Thames in any of these conditions:
- Wind gusts above 25 kn (SUP) / 30 kn (kayak) — Capsizing risk too high for any craft.
- Wind against tide with sustained wind above 12 kn (SUP) / 15 kn (kayak) — Creates steep, breaking chop. The #1 danger on tidal rivers.
- Exceptional spring tides (current > 4 kn SUP / 5 kn kayak) — You cannot make headway against this.
- Fog or visibility below 500m — Commercial vessels cannot see you.
- Thunderstorm warnings — Lightning on water is lethal.
- PLA river closures or navigation warnings — Check PLA Notices to Mariners.
- Insufficient daylight — Do not paddle if you risk being on the water after dark.
Recommended Clubs & Training
These organisations offer kayak training for the tidal Thames:
Westminster Boating Base
Pimlico, SW1V 3QX
Kayak courses including Tideway-specific sessions. Affordable. Open to all ages.
Chelsea Kayak Club
Chelsea Embankment
Club paddles on the Tideway, tide training, and social paddling.
London Kayak Company
Various locations
Guided Thames trips with experienced instructors. Recommended for first-timers.
Tideway Scullers School
Chiswick
Primarily rowing but has Tideway knowledge. Helpful for understanding river traffic.
British Canoeing
Online / nationwide
Personal Performance Awards (Sheltered Water to Advanced Sea). Formal qualifications for tidal paddling.