A vision for tidal Thames swimming

Could a revived historic swim become a new flagship event for London?

First held in 1877, the Lords and Commons Swimming Cup was contested at various locations in the tidal Thames until 1947. By that time, World War Two bombing had damaged sewerage infrastructure, leading to a big increase in pollution. Then, in 1957, scientists at the Natural History Museum declared that the Thames was biologically dead, effectively ending any desire for swimming.

But now, a group of swimming enthusiasts plans to revive this historic swim. The project has three core aims: to create a new flagship event for London, to promote recreational swimming in the Tidal Thames, and to push for continued environmental improvements to the river.

Cleaner water

Gradual improvements since the 1950s have seen the Thames return to life to such an extent that seals are now a relatively common sighting. Earlier this year, the Thames Tideway Tunnel was finally completed. This is designed to reduce the amount of raw sewage entering the river by around 95%. Early indicators are that this has further improved water quality.

In September this year, the Lords and Commons Cup organisers put on an invite-only race to test the concept of a revived swim. Hector Pardoe won the men’s race, while Leah Crisp collected the women’s trophy. Both Hector and Leah competed in the Olympic marathon swim in Paris.

The vision

Toby Robinson is leading the efforts to revive the swim along with Lord Bethell, other parliamentarians and river swimming enthusiasts. Toby raced alongside Hector in the 10k marathon swim in Paris. Since stepping down from elite swimming, he’s become an advocate for cleaner water. This summer, he took part in a length-of-the- Thames relay swim with Surfers Against Sewage to raise awareness about the river’s condition and the stress it is still under, despite recent improvements.

Speaking at an event in the fabulous River Room at the House of Lords to mark the relaunch of Lords and Commons Cup, Toby spoke passionately about his 10-year vision for swimming in the tidal Thames.

“We aim to build one of the world’s great sporting events,” he said. “A massparticipation Thames race to stand alongside the London Marathon. It should have an iconic feel: a day where thousands of swimmers take to the river, with crowds lining the banks and bridges, with London celebrating the Thames.”

Fast and furious

Swimming in the tidal Thames is not without its challenges. While water quality is much improved, pollution risks remain. Moreover, it is a navigable waterway with huge tidal ranges resulting in fast flowing water.

But that flow, while a hazard to the unwary, will potentially make the swim the fastest 10km swimming race in the world. On the right tide, swimmers might cover the distance in under an hour – a thrilling experience for participants and spectators alike.

A swim for everyone

Like the London Marathon, the Lords and Commons Swimming Cup aims to entice an elite international field of athletes for an exciting and tactical race. In addition, there will be options for recreational swimmers. Strong and experienced swimmers will be able to complete the same distance as the elites, while less-experienced swimmers will have the option of a 5km swim.

Swimmable cities

But the revived Lords and Commons Swimming Cup will be bigger than simply a race. Toby explained it should be viewed in the context of the Swimmable Cities Movement.

“Cities everywhere are reclaiming their rivers,” he says, citing his own experience of swimming in the Seine in Paris and the Olympic legacy that has resulted in new bathing spots in the city. “Also, look at the new Chicago River Swim and the Amsterdam City Swim: both events that bring thousands of people to the water. Urban waterways can be clean, joyful, and central to a city’s identity.”

The event’s impact should be felt throughout the year, with Thames swimming becoming the norm. When ready, the Lords and Commons Cup website will provide detailed guidance on safe swimming in the tidal Thames. The hazards need to be recognised, and the risks mitigated, but it is entirely feasible to swim safely in the section of the river between Richmond and Putney.

Call to action

Toby finished his presentation with a plea to everyone present to support the tidal Thames swimming movement.

“The river is ready. London is ready. Let’s build an event that will still be inspiring Londoners in 50 years.”

Find out more: lordsandcommonscup.com