London is set to bask in glorious 27-degree sunshine this weekend. And right on cue, a new open water swimming site has just set up shop in the capital city; providing the perfect place for hot-and-bothered Londoners to cool off during the heatwave. The wild swimming site in question is a pretty darn exciting one – because it just so happens to be the very first designated bathing site on the River Thames.
The scenic swimming spot is one of 13 new official bathing sites that were opened last week by the government. In an effort to give more people access to safe local swimming areas and encourage them connect with nature; the new wild swimming sites will be dotted across the country – taking England’s number of official bathing sites to over 460.
You’ll find London’s latest al-fresco swimming spot over in south-west London, in the rather scenic section of the River Thames that flows between Ham and Kingston. The site has become the very first along the river to boast the oh-so desirable designated status. This marks a rather monumental milestone in the London water world, and a real turning of the tide for the River Thames – which was declared biologically dead back in the 50s due to pollution.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Is it actually safe to take a dip in the Thames? And whilst you should certainly be slightly resistant to making a splash in a rather hefty chunk of the Thames, this particular part of the river is completely safe to swim in. In fact, plenty of Londoners already regularly swim in this section of the Thames. Making it an official bathing area just means that the water quality in this specific area of the river will be regularly monitored and tested throughout the bathing season (which runs until September 30) by officers from the Environment Agency.
Water Minister, Emma Hardy, said: “The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.
“Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this Government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.
“We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.”
