You don’t need reminding that the tidal Thames is a powerful and unpredictable river but this summer, we’re asking regular users like you to help reinforce that message.
You don’t need reminding that the tidal Thames is a powerful and unpredictable river but this summer, we’re asking regular users like you to help reinforce that message.
Our new water safety campaign, launched to coincide with the school holidays and World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), is aimed at keeping young people and their families safe. The campaign is centred on a powerful new film “Stay Back, Stay Out, Stay Safe” (click above to watch) and delivers a simple warning: don’t mess with the Thames.
Too often, children and teenagers are tempted to cool off or play near the river’s edge, not realising how quickly things can go wrong. Currents can reach 5mph, faster than even Olympic swimmers, and the riverbed is full of hidden dangers: sudden drop-offs, cold temperatures, strong tides, and slippery surfaces. Tragically, these conditions contribute to lives lost every summer.
That’s why we’re asking experienced river users to share the campaign, set an example, and help spread the word. You are the eyes and ears on the river; often the first to notice when someone is in trouble.
Work is officially underway on what’s set to become the UK’s largest dedicated EV charging hub for commercial vehicles; right on the Thames at the Port of Tilbury.
Developed by fleet charging provider “Fleete”, the 5MW shared-user hub will provide 16 rapid chargers to support electric HGVs and freight fleets operating across the Thames corridor and beyond. Backed by £1 million in government seed funding through the Thames Freeport programme, the project was celebrated this month with a ceremonial ground-breaking attended by Thurrock’s Mayor and industry leaders.
Due to open in December 2025, the site represents a major step in decarbonising the logistics sector and futureproofing the UK’s busiest multimodal port.
With the PLA’s Thames Vision goal of reaching net zero by 2040, it’s encouraging to see innovation like this from Thames Freeport and the Port of Tilbury; helping shape a more sustainable future for freight movement along the river.
Caption: James Stride, PLA's Chief Harbour Master, Dr Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham, and Robin Mortimer, PLA's Chief Executive
Local MP visits London River House
On Monday 21 July, we welcomed Dr Lauren Sullivan, Labour MP for Gravesham, to our head office for her first official visit to the PLA. During her time with us, Dr Sullivan met colleagues from across the organisation, including Chief Executive Robin Mortimer and Chief Harbour Master James Stride. She toured the operations room and pilot simulator, walked through Royal Terrace Pier, and took a behind-the-scenes look at how we manage river safety.
A strong supporter of the Thames, Dr Sullivan is backing several PLA-led initiatives, including efforts to reinstate the Tilbury ferry and raise awareness through our water safety campaign. She also expressed her thanks to staff involved in the recent response to the tragic incident at Newbridge Causeway, a sentiment she shared both during the visit and later in Parliament.
Last chance to grab your FREE kit!
The Clean Thames Challenge returns
The Clean Thames Challenge is back this September and there’s still time to get involved.
Whether you’re an individual, school, business or community group, this is your chance to help clean up London’s waterways and protect the Thames for future generations. But if you want to receive one of our free Clean Thames kits, complete with hi-vis and litter picker, you need to sign up by 1 August.
Kits are limited and going fast, so don’t miss out.
Our Thames Environment Fund is now open, with £50,000 available to support grassroots projects that protect and enhance the tidal Thames.
Grants of up to £15,000 are on offer for schools, charities, community groups and environmental organisations whether you're tackling litter, restoring habitats, or boosting biodiversity.
Deadline: 5pm, Friday 29 August 2025
If you’ve never applied before, now’s the perfect time.
