Update on finish location for DW 2024

Credit: Guy Dresser

As we approach the end of 2023 and the beginning of the New Year, we are very aware that the DW community is waiting for an announcement about the finish of the 2024 race.

Following 2023’s race there was a Port of London (PLA) investigation into the incidents on the lower Tideway which resulted in the PLA issuing a comprehensive Harbour Master’s Investigation Report. This document has been discussed within the DW team, with Swim Safety, our Tideway Safety provider, Thames Clipper and the PLA. A number of key points have been raised and discussed, and responses provided to the PLA questions as they are the permitting authority for events on this section.

To be clear, without PLA permission DW cannot run an organised event.

We have put an outline enhanced safety plan to the PLA and they are considering this. Should it be accepted, it will then be subject to the normal event application process including submission of detailed plans, risk assessments and other documentation.

We have impressed upon the PLA the DW community’s desire to finish at Westminster. However, this cannot be at the expense of safety and needs to be applicable to all paddlers.

In parallel we are looking at back up options for a tideway finish at a different point to Westminster. This will include the necessity of hitting the tide window and the jeopardy that entails when planning start times from Devizes.

In the meantime, we urge paddlers to keep training as Easter is only three months away. We note the holiday period and the opportunities for those seeking to gain experience on faster moving deep water and/or Thames course knowledge. We recommend crews carry a full set of emergency equipment, wear buoyancy aids, have a mobile phone with them and let someone know where they are going and the time due back. Where possible, paddle in groups.

Finally, please assess the local conditions, both water and weather and only paddle if you feel competent to do so.

Once we have further information, we will share it with you as soon as we can.

The Directors