The Thames Path National Trail Team would like to remind users of the trail to be extremely cautious near the river as the red and amber weather warnings for extreme heat remain in place across parts of the UK.
The country is experiencing some very hot weather as temperatures rise to above 35C.
Walking on the trail in this weather should only be done if you are extremely experienced at walking in heat, and are prepared with lots of fluids, hat, sun cream and a plan for where you will be able to rest in shady spots. We would advise delaying your walk until a cooler day, to avoid the risks of heat exhaustion, sun burn and sun stroke.
It is also a good time to mention the dangers of the river. The water can look extremely tempting if you are wanting to cool off, and the RNLI predict that as temperatures rise, more people are likely to enter open water to cool off. Periods of hot weather like this are often linked with a higher risk of drowning incidents, particularly among young people and teenagers. Rivers remain cold even during prolonged hot weather, and cold water shock remains a continuing risk that can affect swimmers immediately on entry, even when the outside temperature is high.
19 people tragically lost their lives in open water across the UK during a heatwave in May 2026.
The RNLI have issued guidance on how to respond if someone gets into difficulty in the water, how to act if witnessing an incident and basic precautions such as choosing a lido or outdoor pool as a safer place to cool off.
Cold Water Safety Advice:
If you find yourself in danger in the water, fight the panic instinct and "Float to Live" – try to relax and float on your back, with head tilted back, gently moving hands and legs to help you stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.
If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.
