River information
There are several key things you need to know if you're going to get afloat on the river. Whether you're on a powered boat or a kayak you'll find the following information useful.
This information is taken from the 'Users guide to the River Thames' available from the publications page. You'll find plenty of other useful information in this guide.
Speed limit
The maximum speed for power driven boats upstream of Teddington is 8km per hour (approx 5 miles per hour).
Strong stream warnings
At various times of the year the river will be flowing faster than normal. A system of coloured boards is used to indicate the risk to boaters.
When large yellow 'caution stream increasing/decreasing' warning boards are displayed at locks, all unpowered boats are advised to moor up until the stream calms. When 'increasing' is indicated, powered boats are advised to seek safe morring. When 'decreasing' stream is indicated, powered boats may proceed with caution.
When large red 'caution strong stream' warning boards are displayed at locks, all boats are advised not to navigate until the stream calms.
For the latest information on river conditions and strong stream warnings, call 0845 988 1188 and when prompted press 1, followed by 011131.
Rules of navigation for all boats
- Obey the rules of the navigation byelaws - email 'visitthames@environment-agency.gov.uk' for a copy.
- All boats must be registered and licensed with the Environment Agency.
- Steer on the right hand side where it is safe and practical.
- Avoid turning your boat near bridges, bends and locks. Do not turn across the bows of oncoming boats; wait until it's safe.
- Keep a sharp look out at all times for any hazards, taking action when necessary. If in doubt, slow down or stop.
- Always take care when overtaking and keep clear of other boats.
- Near bridges or sharp bends, boats going upstream must give way to boats coming downstream.
Other navigation tips
- Always keep a good distance from anglers on the riverbank. Avoid their tackle and create as little disturbance as possible.
- It is safer for unpowered boats to enter the lock last.
- Powered boats should slow down and maintain a steady course when approaching rowing boats, canoes, sailing boats, swimmers and sub-aqua divers.
Maximum boat depth
At certain times of the year parts of the River Thames between Cricklade and Inglesham are only navigable by small boats. Below Lechlade the navigation channel is normally available for boats of the following approximate drafts:
Lechlade to Oxford - 0.9m or 3'0"
Oxford to Reading - 1.2m or 4'0"
Reading to Windsor - 1.3m or 4'6"
Windsor to Staines - 1.7m or 5'6"
Staines to Teddington - 2.0m or 6'6"
Bridge heights
Please see here for a list of the bridge heights on the River Thames.
Locks
You will find a detailed list of the facilities at each lock on our lock pages; while you're there, you can also find out a bit more about the locks as well as contact information.
Distances between locks
If you're planning a trip on the river you'll want to work out how far it is between locks. The time it takes, based on a 8km per hour (approx 5 miles per hour), has also been included.
Lock keeper hours of duty
Staff from the Environment Agency aim to man the lock during the following hours. However, you are advised to check with notices displayed at the lock or look out for a unmanned board which means you'll have to operate the lock yourself.
January - March 9:15-16:00*
April 9:00 - 17:30
May 9:00 - 18:30
June - August 9:00 - 19:00
September 9:00 - 18:00**
October 9:00 - 17:00
November - December 9:15 - 16:00
* When Easter falls in March: 9:00 - 17:30. Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive.
** 9:00 - 18:30 Saturday and Sunday
Teddington Lock provides 24 hour service throughout the year.
Lock keepers lunch is 13:00 -14:00.