London to Get Its First Designated Wild Swimming Spot in the River Thames
For the first time in living memory, Londoners will be able to swim legally in the River Thames at a designated bathing spot, after the government proposed a stretch at Ham and Kingston in south-west London as one of 13 new officially designated wild swimming locations across England.
The proposal, which is subject to public consultation, would see the Thames site join 450 existing designated bathing waters in England — a milestone that would have seemed unthinkable just decades ago, when the river was declared "biologically dead" due to pollution.
Background
The stretch of the Thames at Ham and Kingston was historically a popular Victorian swimming location, but decades of industrial pollution and sewage discharge made the river unsafe for bathing. In the 1950s, the Thames was so polluted it was declared biologically dead. Since then, a combination of improved sewage treatment, environmental regulation, and the work of campaigners has led to a remarkable recovery, with harbour porpoises, wading birds, and other wildlife returning to the river.
Key Developments
The proposal for the Thames at Ham arose after environmental campaigners presented evidence of thousands of people already regularly swimming in that section of the river. Formal designation would mean the site undergoes regular water quality testing between May and September each year, providing reassurance to swimmers and increasing pressure on water companies to maintain clean water standards.
The other 12 proposed new bathing sites include locations in Northumberland, Devon, Essex, Kent, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Cornwall, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Merseyside, and Cheshire. Water Minister Emma Hardy stated that the designations "support local ambitions and recognise the importance of these places to communities," aligning with government reforms aimed at reducing water pollution.
The Thames designation comes as part of a broader positive picture for the river. Recent reports indicate an "astounding recovery" in the Thames, with lower concentrations of toxic metals, more "breathable" water, and the return of species not seen for generations. However, challenges including rising temperatures, road run-off, sewage, and pharmaceuticals continue to pose threats.
Why It Matters
For Londoners, the prospect of swimming in the Thames represents a profound shift in the city's relationship with its river. Wild swimming has grown enormously in popularity across the UK in recent years, with thousands of people seeking out rivers, lakes, and coastal spots for outdoor bathing. Official designation brings safety monitoring, clearer guidance, and greater accountability for water quality.
What's Next
The public consultation on the proposed sites has now closed. If approved, the new designations would be in place for summer 2026. Full details of the proposed sites are available via Time Out.
