After over 20 drownings during heatwaves, Port of London unveils water safety campaign. Photo: thelittlecactus / Shutterstock.com The Port of London Authority has launched a new public safety campaign aimed at educating young people about the dangers of the tidal River Thames ahead of the busy summer holiday period.
Called See the River, See the Risk, the initiative targets children aged 10 to 16 across London, Kent, and Essex, encouraging them to better understand the hazards of open water before spending more time outdoors during the school break.
The campaign comes after more than 20 people across the UK lost their lives in water-related incidents during recent heatwaves. It also follows figures from the Royal Life Saving Society showing that child drowning rates in London increased by 80% when comparing the periods from 2020 to 2022 and 2023 to 2025.
Research commissioned by the Port of London Authority found that while many young people recognize that the Thames can be dangerous, those risks are often overlooked when they are spending time with friends. The study also revealed that many teenagers knew the basic steps to take during an emergency but lacked confidence in their ability to respond effectively in a real-life situation.
Officials warn that the tidal Thames presents unique dangers, including fast-moving currents that can reach speeds of up to five miles per hour, significant changes in water levels, cold water temperatures, and submerged hazards that may not be visible from the riverbank.
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As part of the campaign, the authority has produced a short film designed in the style of popular social media videos. The film follows a group of young people enjoying time near the river before highlighting how quickly a familiar setting can become life-threatening.
The initiative also includes free educational materials, classroom activities, and interactive resources for schools. To reach a wider audience, guidance will be available in Bengali, Gujarati, Romanian, Polish, and Punjabi, helping schools and community groups share water safety advice with families.
The campaign aligns with calls from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson for schools to reinforce water safety messages. From September 2026, water safety will also become part of updated statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance for schools in England.
The Port of London Authority is reminding anyone who witnesses someone in difficulty in the river not to enter the water themselves. Instead, they should call 999 and ask for the coastguard, encourage the person to float on their back, throw them something that floats, and keep them in sight until emergency services arrive.