Bathing water season begins: Council welcomes London’s first Thames bathing site

The start of this year’s bathing water season, following the designation of the River Thames at Ham and Kingston as London’s first official river bathing water site, has been welcomed by Richmond Council.

The site joins 464 designated bathing waters across the country and recognises the growing number of people using the Thames for swimming, paddling, rowing and other water-based activity.

It follows overwhelming public backing during consultation, with the Ham and Kingston site receiving record levels of support. During the bathing water season which runs from 15 May to 30 September, the Environment Agency will regularly monitor water quality at the site and display information to help people better understand water conditions.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “The Thames is at the heart of life in Richmond upon Thames, so it’s fantastic to see this stretch of river officially recognised for its recreational importance.”

Richmond Council announced earlier this year it is progressing feasibility work on the Ham side of the river to explore how riverside access and public spaces could be improved in response to increased use of the area.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, added: “People have been swimming and spending time on this part of the Thames for years, so regular water quality testing and clearer public information throughout the bathing season are really positive steps forward and reflect the strong local support for cleaner waterways.

“As more people use and enjoy the river, we also want to make sure the surrounding riverside environment can support that growing interest in a safe and sustainable way.”

The bathing water season runs until Wednesday 30 September 2026.