TV series prompts Thames safety warning

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Londoners are being reminded of the potential dangers of walking on the Thames foreshore after a new TV series featured people looking for historic artefacts on the banks of the river.

Officials at the Port of London Authority say they welcome the fact that the ‘Mud Men’ series “is enabling more people to share in the fascinating history of the Thames”, there are hazards and rules which anyone wishing to explore the foreshore need to be aware of.

As well as the health risks, including the risk of contracting Weil’s Disease which is spread by rats urine in the water, anyone wishing to use metal detecting or digging equipment requires a PLA permit.

Explorers are also being reminded of the need to report any object found which could be of archaeological interest to the Museum of London.

PLA chief harbour master David Snelson said: “We need to make sure anyone interested in going out to see what they can find understands what can and can’t be done.

“This is to protect both the people involved and London’s archaeological heritage. There are many potential safety hazards; the Thames is a fast flowing tidal river and an exposed area of foreshore can be submerged very quickly.”

The Thames foreshore is potentially hazardous and some dangers may not always be immediately apparent. The Thames rises and falls by over 7.0m twice a day as the tide comes in and out. The current is fast and the water is cold.

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