Welcome to your May edition of the Active Thames newsletter. As a reminder, we will use this mailing to keep you in the loop on key projects we’re working on, Active Thames updates and insights, Port of London Authority (PLA) notices to the wider community, and more. As always, please do continue to send us your own updates as well, as we're keen to highlight the great work you're doing with the broader community!
Club Updates
The Sharks
Family Fun at Thamesmead
This summer, families in Thamesmead can enjoy affordable paddlesport sessions on Southmere Lake thanks to new “sit-on-top” kayaks launched by The Sharks. Supported by Active Thames and Sport England’s Movement Fund, the new sessions are designed to help more local people get active on the water.
The stable, easy-to-use kayaks are perfect for beginners, with single and tandem options available so friends and families can paddle together. Sessions start on Saturday mornings throughout June, with additional Sunday and school holiday sessions planned over the summer. Buoyancy aids are provided, and sessions cost just £6 per person.
The activities take place at Southmere Lake, Thamesmead, as part of The Sharks’ growing programme to build inclusive community watersports opportunities in partnership with Peabody.
The Centre is seeking to appoint a co-ordinator to develop and implement an inclusion programme of watersports and adventurous activities. They are looking for an enthusiastic, hard working and experienced instructor with a range of NGB qualifications in paddlesports, climbing, sailing, rowing and orienteering who will play an active role coaching in the programme.
This post is offered on a two year contract with a possibility of extension. The post will be based on a 35 hour week but will involve flexible working, including some evenings and weekends.
Salary: Between £29,808 and £33,384 depending on qualifications and experience. Closing date: Monday 15th June 2026
For application information contact: Centre Co-ordinator, 3-4 Shadwell Pierhead, Glamis Road, London E1W 3TD.
Join our grantee, Women in Tri UK, for supportive, inclusive open water swimming sessions this summer. Whether you're preparing for your first open water swim or building confidence in natural water, these sessions offer a safe and welcoming environment to develop your skills.
Sessions are women-only, fully coached, and ideal for first-timers and beginners, though developing swimmers are very welcome too. No previous experience needed.
Session cost: £5 (heavily subsidised thanks to the Active Thames Grant. Free for those with financial barriers, contact them to arrange.)
Location 1 Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre 235a Westferry Road, Isle of Dogs, E14 3QS Wednesdays, 18:00 - 20:00 Wednesday 20 May 2026 Wednesday 10 June 2026
Location 2 Love Open Water London, Royal Docks Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AH Thursdays, 18:00 - 20:00 Thursday 2 July 2026 Thursday 20 August 2026 Weekend, 13:00 - 15:00 Saturday 5 September 2026
(Additional dates and Southend-on-Sea sessions coming soon.)
Sessions may be photographed or filmed for use by Women in Tri UK and our funders and partners.
External Updates
Active Lives Survey
England is getting more active but not everyone is benefitting
Sport England’s latest Active Lives Survey shows that more adults in England are physically active than ever before, with 64.6% now meeting recommended activity levels - an increase of 859,000 people compared to last year. Walking, fitness activities and running continue to grow in popularity.
However, the report highlights that significant inequalities remain. People from lower socio-economic backgrounds are still far less likely to be active, with only 53.8% meeting activity guidelines compared to 73.2% of the most affluent groups. Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions also face major barriers, with activity levels at 49.1%.
The survey also found persistent disparities across ethnic groups, with Black adults (57.2%) and Asian adults (56.3%) less likely to be active than White adults. Sport England says tackling these inequalities will remain a major focus for future investment and place-based community programmes.
Ready to make an impact? Sign-ups for this year's Clean Thames Challenge are now open!
Running throughout August, and once again supported by DP World, the challenge invites individuals and groups to participate in litter picks across London, Kent and Essex – all with the shared goal of improving the health of the tidal Thames.
With partner‑led events happening throughout the month, it’s easier than ever to get involved - if you sign up early, we’ll also send you your very own Clean Thames kit! Find out more and sign up here.
Active Thames Festival
Registrations for the Active Thames Festival are now live, and we already have ten clubs planning their sessions for the weekend. The festival is taking place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026: one affordable, family-friendly weekend, advertised centrally on one platform, brought to life by sports clubs all along the tidal Thames and connected waterways.
If your club would like to get involved by offering a session, please email Joey Innes-Hopkinsand we’ll provide the information you need to get your event registered.
For the past three years, the Port of London Authority has been proud to take part in Pride in London. This year, we are keen to go further by opening up our platform to all river users.
The River Thames connects a wide range of communities. Pride is about connection, visibility, and standing together. We warmly invite everyone who lives, works on, or uses the river to join us in the Pride in London march.
Whether you represent a large organisation or a smaller river community group, your presence is important. Marching together demonstrates that the river community stands united in support of inclusion, respect, and equality for all.
Everyone is welcome. Let us come together and make our voices visible at Pride in London.
As daylight hours peak and river use continues to build, the Thames is firmly into its summer operating rhythm. With more routine training, leisure trips, and organised activity taking place across the tidal river, careful planning and good situational awareness are increasingly important.
There is plenty still to come over the next few weeks, with races, regattas, paddles, and community events continuing to populate the PLA River Events Calendar. Readers are reminded to keep a regular eye on both the events calendar and Notices to Mariners, particularly when planning outings in busy reaches or around known event dates:
Updated Recreational Users Guide - Coming Very Soon!
Following a major review, the PLA will shortly be releasing a new version of the Tidal Thames Recreational Users Guide. The updated guide will be published online, with printed copies produced on glossy, waterproof paper also available to order.
