When the Thames is on ‘boards’ all members are reminded of the need for caution. See the link below for the  current conditions and for more information.

River Thames Current Conditions

The Environment Agency makes the following recommendations:

RED BOARDS
Caution strong stream
We advise users of all boats not to navigate because the strong flows make it difficult and dangerous.
YELLOW BOARDS
Caution stream increasing (up arrow)
We advise users of all unpowered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to find a safe mooring. This is because river flows are likely to strengthen and red boards could be displayed very soon and without warning.
Caution stream decreasing (down arrow)
We advise users of all unpowered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to navigate with caution.

The following is an extract from the club rules:

Water Activities During Strong Stream Warnings
E3.21 Members must acquaint themselves with the information on Environment Agency Strong Stream Warnings — displayed on the notice board**.

E3.22 Whenever Cautions or Strong Stream conditions exist, the Club advises that:

Privately owned boats
1) Adult members, inexperienced on moving water, should not launch
2) Adult members, experienced on moving water, launch at their own risk
3) Junior members should not launch unless they have previous written consent from a parent or
guardian
4) All members deciding to launch, wear buoyancy aids, irrespective of their competency
5) No members should launch during hours of darkness

Club boats
1) Adult members, inexperienced on moving water, must not launch
2) Adult members, experienced on moving water, launch at their own risk with others of suitable
experience (no less than three)
3) Junior members should not launch unless they have previous written consent from a parent or
Guardian and a suitably qualified coach is present
4) All members deciding to launch, wear buoyancy aids, irrespective of their competency
5) No members should launch during hours of darkness

E3.23 Marathon Races and competitions will be subject to risk assessment by the race organiser, prior to commencement. However the Club advises members that they should not compete if they are not confident that they are appropriately experienced to manage the prevailing conditions.

**There is a link to the government website on the Health & Safety page of this site, to enable members to check the current situation.

Club sessions are likely to be affected by the prevailing river conditions and may be subject to a change of venue or cancellation. We will try to give notice of any changes on the club website – so please check before setting out.