London's only safe Thames bathing spot open
The River Thames at Ham in Kingston is designated for safe swimming during the current heatwave.
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Londoners are taking to the River Thames to swim at the city's only officially designated safe bathing location as the fourth heatwave of the year continues. The River Thames at Ham in Kingston has been designated a ‘Designated Bathing Water' by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The bathing season is in effect from May 15 to September 30. During this period, the Environment Agency will conduct up to 20 water quality tests. Swimmers were observed enjoying the water on Wednesday, July 29, as temperatures reached 33C.
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The designated site is located on Lower Ham Road, between the Half Mile Tree and YMCA Hawker Centre. The Environment Agency has stated that the current water quality rating is 'unknown'. This is because it is the first year the site has received designation, meaning no monitoring data is yet available for classification.
Results from the water samples taken by the Environment Agency will be regularly updated on the Environment Agency’s bathing water quality webpage.
Questions this report answers
+Where exactly is the safe swimming spot in London?
The safe swimming spot is on Lower Ham Road in Ham, Kingston, between the Half Mile Tree and YMCA Hawker Centre. This location has been officially designated for safe bathing during the current heatwave.
+How long does the bathing season last?
The bathing season runs from May 15 to September 30 each year. This period allows for regular water quality testing and monitoring at the designated site.
+Why is the water quality rating currently unknown?
The water quality rating is unknown because this is the first year the site has been designated. No monitoring data exists yet for classification, so results will only be available after testing begins.
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