SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK

This banner is based on the increasing health hazards posed by swimming in the Thames, as pollution levels regularly exceed safe limits due to sewage discharges and chemical contamination. Studies have found high levels of bacteria like E. coli, pharmaceutical pollutants, and microplastics, which can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses and long-term environmental damage. While wild swimming is growing in popularity, it is being met with rising public protests against water companies and campaigns to enforce cleaner water standards. This banner serves as a warning and protest statement, urging greater transparency and responsibility in the fight against river pollution.

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Health Risks for Swimmers: Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreaks: In October 2012, during an open-water swimming event in the Thames, 338 out of 1,100 participants reported gastrointestinal illnesses, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Pathogen Presence: The most dangerous pathogen found in UK rivers, including the Thames, is E. coli, which can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. Chemical Contaminants: UK rivers are polluted with chemicals such as caffeine, antidepressants, painkillers, nicotine, and antibiotics, primarily due to sewage discharges.

Recent Pollution Incidents: Sewage Discharges: In 2022, Thames Water was found to have illegally discharged sewage hundreds of times on days without rainfall, leading to increased health risks for swimmers. The Thames Estuary has been found to contain mercury concentrations higher than many other UK and European river estuaries, posing risks to both aquatic life and human health.

Water Quality Monitoring: Coliform Bacteria: Surveys have shown that 92% of Thames water samples revealed a significant presence of coliform bacteria, indicating fecal contamination. The Thames has relatively high levels of plastic pollution, with an estimated 94,000 microplastics per second moving through some parts of the river.

Safety Recommendations: Authorities advise against swimming in the Thames due to risks such as strong currents, cold temperatures, and pollution. Improving water quality and sewage treatment in UK rivers, including the Thames, has been identified as a public health priority to reduce risks associated with recreational water use.