Call to cut the number of drownings in London

Last year 240 people were rescued by emergency services and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) charity from the River Thames. A significant and unacceptable number of Londoners drowned in the river in 2017.



Today, the London Assembly unanimously agreed a motion calling on the Mayor of London to support the efforts of the Thames River Safety Forum to reduce deaths from drowning and to encourage Transport for London (TfL) and London boroughs adjoining the river to do the same.



Andrew Dismore AM, who proposed the motion said:



“Despite the dedicated and inspiring work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the emergency services including the Coastguard, Police, Fire Brigade and the PLA, who should be applauded for rescuing 240 people from the Thames last year, a significant number of Londoners have drowned in the river over the past 7 years - more than fell victim to cycling fatal accidents. This is unacceptable and needs to be urgently addressed with a cohesive and robust strategy.



With effective measures in place, future tragedies can be prevented. This is why I am calling upon the Mayor to support the efforts of the Thames River Safety Forum to reduce deaths from drowning, and to push for the additional support of TfL and London’s riparian boroughs.”



The full text of the motion is:



This Assembly notes that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) charity provides the primary search, rescue and medical capability on the river from its three stations on the tidal Thames in London, two of which (Chiswick and Tower) provide 24/7 crew cover with a 90 second launch time, a faster launch than anywhere else in the UK. These lifeboat stations are busier than any other in the country and their work should be applauded and assisted.



Together with the Metropolitan Police Marine branch, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance, Port of London Authority and Coastguard support they rescued some 240 people last year. Nevertheless, a significant and unacceptable number of Londoners drowned in the river in 2017 and in the preceding 7 years.



More lives could potentially have been saved if all riparian boroughs and Transport for London actively supported proposals by the Thames River Safety Forum (RNLI, PLA, Marine Police, Fire Brigade, LAS & Coastguard) to enhance prevention and safety measures to cut London's unacceptable drowning figure.



Accordingly, this Assembly calls on the Mayor of London to do all he can to support the efforts of the Thames River Safety Forum to reduce deaths from drowning, to encourage TfL and the riparian boroughs to do the same, and to take a personal interest in improving outcomes.