• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS

TV series prompts Thames safety warning

March 7, 2011 by Staff

The PLA has issued advice for anyone wishing to explore the Thames foreshore
Londoners are being reminded of the potential dangers of walking on the Thames foreshore after a new TV series featured people looking for historic artefacts on the banks of the river.

Officials at the Port of London Authority say they welcome the fact that the ‘Mud Men’ series “is enabling more people to share in the fascinating history of the Thames”, there are hazards and rules which anyone wishing to explore the foreshore need to be aware of.

As well as the health risks, including the risk of contracting Weil’s Disease which is spread by rats urine in the water, anyone wishing to use metal detecting or digging equipment requires a PLA permit.

Explorers are also being reminded of the need to report any object found which could be of archaeological interest to the Museum of London.

PLA chief harbour master David Snelson said: “We need to make sure anyone interested in going out to see what they can find understands what can and can’t be done.

“This is to protect both the people involved and London’s archaeological heritage. There are many potential safety hazards; the Thames is a fast flowing tidal river and an exposed area of foreshore can be submerged very quickly.”

PLA Advice:
The Thames foreshore is potentially hazardous and some dangers may not always be immediately apparent. The Thames rises and falls by over 7.0m twice a day as the tide comes in and out. The current is fast and the water is cold.

Anyone going on the foreshore does so entirely at their own risk and must take personal responsibility for their safety and that of anyone with them. In addition to the tide and current mentioned above there are hazards from raw sewage, broken glass, hypodermic needles and wash from vessels. Steps and stairs down to the foreshore can be slippery.

Before going onto the foreshore consider:
sensible footwear and gloves
carrying a mobile phone
not going alone
the tide; is it rising or falling?
Always make sure you can get off the foreshore quickly – watch the tide and make sure that steps or stairs are close by.

Finally, be aware of the possibility of Weil’s Disease, spread by rats urine in the water. Infection is usually through cuts in the skin or through eyes, mouth or nose. Medical advice should be sought immediately if ill effects are experienced after visiting the foreshore, particularly “flu like” symptoms ie temperature, aching etc.

For more information on Thames foreshore permits contact Ken Jackelman, at the PLA, Tel: 01474 562339

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email

Filed Under: News

RECENT UPDATES

Tube and rail users to benefit from Oyster weekly fares cap

Mayor and TfL call on ministers to help plug funding gap

Tube to get full mobile phone coverage from 2024

TfL says Direct Vision Standard is already making HGVs safer for London road users




POPULAR

City Hall to move to Docklands as Mayor seeks to raise £55m for frontline services

‘Concern’ over TfL’s ability to deliver major projects in wake of Crossrail cost overruns

City Hall halts London Overground ticket office closures but many will still see opening hours reduced

Transport for London confirms bus cuts will go ahead despite passenger opposition

Copyright © 2025 · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy