Latest information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update 1/7/20

UK Government confirm all forms of boating in England to restart from the 4^th July.

British Marine is delighted to confirm that from the 4th July, all forms of boating, including skippered charter and passenger boat operations can recommence, subject to all relevant COVID-19 guidance being followed.

In a statement issued to British Marine today (1.7.20), DEFRA said:

“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government’s priority has been, and remains, to save lives. Following the latest announcement by the Prime Minister on 23 June, which marked a significant further easing of the lockdown restrictions to come into effect on 4 July, the Government has decided to withdraw the guidance on ‘Using a boat inland and on the coast’ from 4 July.

Latest government guidance on COVID-19 can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Individuals and boating operators are responsible for conducting a risk assessment drawing on the relevant sources of government guidance on COVID-19. In particular operators and individuals should consider:

·         Working Safely during coronavirus

·         Staying alert and safe (social distancing) after 4 July

·         Meeting People Outside Your House

·         Staying Safe Outside Your Home

·         Safer transport guidance for operators

·         Safer travel guidance for passengers

·         Phased return of outdoor sport and recreation

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 26/6/20

Re-opening plans for a number of tourism businesses in England from 4 July, providing the conditions laid out in the Government’s roadmap are met.  

In the announcement, it was outlined that from 4 July in England:

• The two metre social distancing rule will be relaxed to one metre plus. Where it is possible to remain two metres you should continue to do so, but where this is not possible it should be a ‘one metre plus’ policy. New guidance will be published to support businesses – including changing office layouts, protective screens, closing non-essential communal areas etc.
• Restaurants and pubs can open. Indoor hospitality is limited to table services and contact details will need to be collected from customers.
• People will be free to stay in self-contained accommodation including hotels, B&Bs and campsites – so long as shared facilities can be kept clean.
• Tourist attractions will be able to reopen if they can do so safely, outside gyms and playgrounds can also open.
• Places of worship will be able to reopen, weddings can take place with up to 30 guests.
• Close proximity venues such as nightclubs, soft play, indoor gyms, swimming pools and spas will remain closed. Taskforces will be established to help them become COVID secure. 
• Indoor facilities for sports will remain closed, and close contact sports should only happen with people from the same household.
• Two households of any size will be able to meet in any setting (inside or outside), they do not have to be the same household each time. They are not recommending multiple households meet indoors. 
• Outside, the guidance remains that people from several households of up to six, or two households can meet regardless of size. 

Take a look at What's open along the River Thames 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update (11/6/20) Self-drive day boat hire and charters can now operate in England 

Following the relaxation of lockdown measures, further clarification has been released detailing that from today self-drive boat hire or charter companies can operate again on a day basis. The public will be allowed to hire or charter a boat for a day with people from their own household or support bubble. Businesses will need appropriate social distancing measures in place, including during boat handovers. Boats must be cleaned thoroughly between users.

Skippered day-boat hire and charters remain unable to operate, and overnight stays are also not permitted. Tourist and trip boat operators must also remain closed.

Paul Clark, Manager of Kris Cruisers on the Thames, adds; “To get the green light from DEFRA to start hiring our day boats is a huge relief. We look forward to seeing some old and new faces back into our boatyard.”

The published Government guidance can be read in full here 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update (15/5/20) for Watersports and Boaters on the River Thames

Following the Government announcement on 10 May about plans to relax some of the restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to let you know how this affects the advice for the River Thames.

Watersports – these are classed as part of your unlimited daily exercise. So, if you are heading out, make sure you stick to social distancing rules and maintain Government guidelines; full information for paddlers is available on British Canoeing.

Boating - The navigation authority for the River Thames is the Environment Agency and they have issued guidance that at this stage boaters should avoid non-essential travel on the Thames for the next few weeks and to make journeys only to access essential services and facilities. This will help ensure safety of boaters and staff.

Environment Agency teams will prepare for boat travel to resume by undertaking inspections and maintenance to river channels and structures to ensure they are safe. They hope to allow some leisure cruising from June and will provide a further update setting out how and when you will be able to resume further leisure boating over the coming weeks.

The full guidance notes are available here.

Following the Government announcement that boaters can return to the water, DEFRA has issued some Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs) for inland waterways and navigation that users and businesses should be aware of. 

Please respect the needs of the residential waterways community and maintain appropriate social distancing, following the guidance of organisations such as British Canoeing and British Rowing where it is available.

In response to the current coronavirus outbreak, the UK government has advised against all 'unnecessary travel' and has asked public to stop 'non-essential contact' for around 12 weeks from 16 March.

In light of the current situation, the information on this website will not be the most up-to-date, please check directly with the relevant business for the current information.

If you are planning to travel along the River Thames, please abide by the current government guidance in regards to the developing COVID-19 situation:

• Find the latest information on the official UK government website.
• All visitor attractions, venues, pubs, bars, restaurants, places of worship, parks and non essential shops are now temporarily closed.
• Some outlets may be offering a take away or delivery services.
• Some accommodation businesses are offering rooms for those needing to self-isolate away from home and for key workers.
• All events during this period are cancelled or postponed.
• Guidance on prevention measures, which includes ensuring the washing of hands regularly, and covering your mouth/nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing, can be found at NHS.uk · For travellers already in the UK and who need medical advice, use the 111 online coronavirus service to get further information.
• If you have concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on your existing travel plans, please check with your tour operator or other transport and accommodation providers as applicable. Individual providers may also have their own requirements for customers or passengers to meet.

National advice against non-essential travel

GWR are reducing services to reflect national advice against non-essential travel, while maintaining services critical to keeping key workers moving during the current situation.
GWR's new timetable will operate from Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice.  

The changes prioritise key routes, essential for those people continuing to deliver vital services as the UK responds to the current Covid-19 situation. 

From 23 March, GWR are working hard to enter all the changes into online and digital timetables.  From then individual journeys can be checked on www.gwr.com/travel-updates/check-your-journey.??.  Until then GWR will be adding details to a dedicated page on their website gwr.com.

Take a look here for those that we know are currently providing an additional service to their normal offering for local residents. 

Help your local business during Covid-19

Most of the local tourism businesses have been closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions. We’d like them to know that we appreciate their services and their staff.

What you can do?

1. Find out if the local restaurant or pub is offering takeaway services – dine in without the hassle of cooking

2. Follow them on social media - like, comment on and share their social posts

3. Have you visited lately or enjoyed an experience – write a review e.g. TripAdvisor

4. Post a photo and tag them – so all your friends can see and make a note

5. Sign up to their newsletter and you’ll be the first to know when they open their doors again

A little help can go a long way. Thank you!

We hope you stay safe and look forward to welcoming you to the River Thames in the future.