GovWire

Guidance: River Thames: current river conditions

Environment Agency

April 11
09:41 2023

Before you take your boat out on the River Thames, you should find out the current river conditions and make sure you understand what they mean. You should also check if there are any closures or restrictions in your area.

Current river conditions: updated 11 April 2023

You can also talk to lock staff to get the latest river conditions and strong stream warnings.

Lechlade to Oxford

Reach Current conditions
Upstream of St Johns Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
St Johns Lock to Buscot Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Buscot Lock to Grafton Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Grafton Lock to Radcot Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Radcot Lock to Rushey Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Rushey Lock to Shifford Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Shifford Lock to Northmoor Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Northmoor Lock to Pinkhill Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Pinkhill Lock to Eynsham Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Eynsham Lock to Kings Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Kings Lock to Godstow Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Godstow Lock to Osney Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Osney Lock to Iffley Lock Red Caution strong stream warning

Oxford to Henley

Reach Current conditions
Iffley Lock to Sandford Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Sandford Lock to Abingdon Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Abingdon Lock to Culham Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Culham Lock to Clifton Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Clifton Lock to Days Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Days Lock to Benson Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Benson Lock to Cleeve Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Cleeve Lock to Goring Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Goring Lock to Whitchurch Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Whitchurch Lock to Mapledurham Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Mapledurham Lock to Caversham Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Upstream of Blakes Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Caversham Lock to Sonning Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Sonning Lock to Shiplake Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Shiplake Lock to Marsh Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Marsh Lock to Hambleden Lock Red Caution strong stream warning

Henley to Teddington

Reach Current conditions
Hambleden Lock to Hurley Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Hurley Lock to Temple Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Temple Lock to Marlow Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Marlow Lock to Cookham Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Cookham Lock to Boulters Lock Yellow Caution stream decreasing
Boulters Lock to Bray Lock Yellow Caution stream decreasing
Bray Lock to Boveney Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Boveney Lock to Romney Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Romney Lock to Old Windsor Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Old Windsor Lock to Bell Weir Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Bell Weir Lock to Penton Hook Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Penton Hook Lock to Chertsey Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Chertsey Lock to Shepperton Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Shepperton Lock to Sunbury Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Sunbury Lock to Molesey Lock Red Caution strong stream warning
Molesey Lock to Teddington Lock Yellow Caution stream decreasing

What the warnings mean

Any river activity poses a greater risk when there are strong currents, high river levels or cold weather conditions. River flows can increase even during the summer months. Never assume that sunny weather means the conditions are not hazardous.

The Environment Agency may display warning boards at locks to inform river users of the conditions. Read the explanations of what these mean for you. Do not take risks and never underestimate the power of the river.

Strong stream warning

A red sign with white text reading 'Caution: Strong stream'.

Strong stream warning board

When these red boards are displayed on lock gates, the Environment Agency advises users of all boats not to navigate. The strong flows make it difficult and dangerous.

People in hire boats arriving at a lock where these boards are displayed should stop immediately. Contact your hire boat operator to ask for instructions.

Stream increasing warning

A yellow sign with black text reading 'Caution: Stream increasing'.

Stream increasing warning board

When these yellow boards are displayed on lock gates, the Environment Agency advises:

  • users of all unpowered boats not to navigate
  • users of powered boats to find a safe mooring

River flows are likely to strengthen, and strong stream boards could be displayed very soon and without further warning.

Stream decreasing warning

A yellow sign with black text reading 'Caution: Stream decreasing'.

Stream decreasing warning board

When these yellow boards are displayed on lock gates, the Environment Agency advises:

  • users of all unpowered boats not to navigate
  • users of powered boats to navigate with caution

Using navigation marks

When travelling upstream, keep red navigation buoys to your left and green navigation buoys to your right.

When travelling downstream, keep red buoys to your right and green buoys to your left.

You may pass single yellow marker buoys on either side.

In all cases, keep well clear of navigation buoys. Be aware of possible shoals on the inside of river bends.

Dealing with changing river conditions

If you find yourself in conditions where the Environment Agency advises you to stop navigating, please take the advice and stop. Even the most experienced boater can be caught out, so think about those who could be put in danger if they have to help you.

You may find the following measures helpful. Not all conditions will be serious enough to need all the suggested measures.

Moor your boat in a safe place, preferably in a marina or at a recognised mooring. Limited space may be available at some locks. Moor against high banks if you ca

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