With fantastic views of Hampton Court Palace across the river, Albany Reach in Thames Ditton has always been a popular destination for those who want to spend leisure time by the Thames. Over the last few years, there has been an increased number of visitors with people using the site as a base to swim and for water activities. Although it is a pleasant environment, there is always danger associated with water proximity and we want to make sure that visitors understand the risks of open water.
Thanks to the ongoing commitment of Thames Ditton resident Nell Hickman who has tirelessly been raising water safety awareness in the local community, two new throw lines have recently been installed at Albany Reach. These have been funded by Surrey County Councillor Nick Darby from his ‘Members Community Allocation’ in partnership with the Elmbridge Borough Council's Green Spaces team who helped to source the throw lines and information panel that go with them.
Nell Hickman said: "I am pleased that people are enjoying Albany Reach but would like them to stay safe when spending time there. The throwlines are an invaluable addition to the site given the unpredictable under currents of the Thames and lack of safety awareness when it comes to open water swimming. I am pleased to hear about the Drowning Prevention Plan and look forward to getting Thames Ditton residents onboard and involved with it."
Cllr Nick Darby, Surrey County Council, said, "I am delighted to have contributed to this project and hope the throwlines and signage will encourage visitors to respect the water. It is vitally important for residents and visitors to understand that the Thames can be as treacherous as it is beautiful. It is our duty as County Council to do everything we can to keep our residents safe and making the most of their local area."
Cllr Janet Turner, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Environment, said, “My thanks go to the green spaces team at Elmbridge Borough Council for delivering this water safety project in Thames Ditton in partnership with local resident Nell Hickman and Surrey County Council. I can’t wait to see the Drowning Prevention Plan being implemented to keep residents and visitors fully informed and safe around water."
This project is part of the safety measures Elmbridge Borough Council has pledged to deliver in the run up to this summer.* We will be rolling out a £30k Drowning Prevention Plan working with partners at Surrey Fire and Rescue, Surrey Police, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
More information on water safety in Elmbridge.