Thames to open first designated river bathing site in May

A proposed Ham and Kingston bathing site on the River Thames is among 13 spots expected to open in May, and water will be regularly tested for E. coli and other bacteria.

A proposed Ham and Kingston bathing site on the River Thames is one of 13 designated bathing spots being considered to open across England in May. If approved, it would be the capital's first river bathing site on the Thames. Water in the area between the Royal Canoe Club and the Kingston parkrun route will be monitored for E. coli and other bacteria. Results will be classified as excellent, good, sufficient or poor to indicate whether bathing is advised. Key facts: - Ham and Kingston is listed among 13 proposed bathing locations due to open in May. - The specific stretch to be tested lies between the Royal Canoe Club and where the Kingston parkrun is held. - Tests will check for E. coli and other bacteria and assign one of four ratings: excellent, good, sufficient or poor. - A 'poor' rating would lead to advice to avoid bathing at that time. - Local volunteer and official tests have previously produced a range of results from excellent to failing. - The Thames has shown ecological recovery since the mid-20th century, though studies note ongoing pressures such as temperature change and plastic pollution, and a recent relay swim on the river was paused when bacterial readings rose. Summary: If approved, the Ham and Kingston site would open in May with ongoing monitoring to determine water quality and public guidance. Water will be classified using the four-category system and those results will guide whether bathing is advised. Undetermined at this time.