A new film has been launched to warn children about the dangers of the Thames

A bridge over the River Thames — Credit – David Floyd

The Port of London Authority has launched a campaign highlighting the dangers of the River Thames and to keep children safe during the school holidays.

The film, Stay Back, Stay out, Stay Safe, that warns children and their parents about the dangers of the tidal River Thames went live on 25 July. It is part of the campaign to highlight the hidden risks of playing, swimming, or paddling too close to the river’s edge.

The Thames can flow at speeds of around 5 mph, quicker than even the greatest Olympians who swim at around 4.5 mph. The RNLI has already responded to around 1,250 calls across the tidal Thames this year.

As we reported in June, the body of 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa was found in the river, two weeks after she went missing from her home.

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