London’s Boat Race Crews Sign Pledge to Clean Up Thames

Thursday 27 March 2025 9:59 am

The crews participating in this year’s Boat Race have signed Sadiq Khan’s London Rivers’ Pledge after poo in the Thames marred last year’s boat race.

The crews participating in this year’s Boat Race have signed Sadiq Khan’s London Rivers’ Pledge after poo in the Thames marred last year’s rowing regatta.

What Happened Last Year?

A number of crew got ill during the preparations for the 2024 Boat Race, held in West London, due to a mix of E. coli, sewage and poo. An Oxford rower said last year: “It would be a lot nicer if there wasn’t as much poo in the water.”

The London Rivers’ Pledge

The Mayor of London’s 10-year London Rivers’ Pledge aims to clean up the capital’s waterways.

Khan said: “The annual Boat Race is an iconic event in London, shining a spotlight on the Thames. It’s vital that rowers can train and race on the river safely, and that everyone is able to access and enjoy our waterways

“London’s rivers have been neglected for too long, and I’m pleased to be delivering funding and working with partners on an ambitious plan to clean them up and turn things around.

“We’ve made great progress in cleaning up our air in London, now we plan to do the same with our rivers. Together we can ensure our rivers are safer for all as we continue to build a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.”

Boat Race Row

Recurring worries about the quality of the Thames is the latest issue for the Boat Race, which will this year be sponsored by Chanel, after a row erupted between the two universities – Oxford and Cambridge – over the eligibility of a number of competitors.

Cambridge, who have had the upper hand in both the men’s and women’s races in recent years, has seen a number of its rowers disqualified for not doing degrees, instead working towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

An independent interpretation panel, not organisers the Boat Race Company themselves, made the final decision which led to the triple exclusion.

Why is the Thames so Polluted?

The Thames has been polluted for many years due to a combination of factors, including sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste. The river is also home to a large population of birds, fish, and other wildlife, which can be affected by the pollution.

What Can be Done to Clean Up the Thames?

There are several steps that can be taken to clean up the Thames, including:

• Reducing sewage and wastewater pollution
• Implementing effective waste management systems
• Increasing public awareness and education about the importance of keeping the river clean
• Supporting conservation efforts and protecting wildlife habitats

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Boat Race crews have taken an important step by signing the London Rivers’ Pledge to clean up the Thames. The river has been neglected for too long, and it is essential that we take action to protect it. By working together, we can ensure that the Thames is safe for everyone to enjoy and that it remains a vibrant and healthy ecosystem for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the London Rivers’ Pledge?

A: The London Rivers’ Pledge is a 10-year plan to clean up the capital’s waterways, including the Thames.

Q: Why is the Thames so polluted?

A: The Thames is polluted due to a combination of factors, including sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste.

Q: What can be done to clean up the Thames?

A: Several steps can be taken to clean up the Thames, including reducing sewage and wastewater pollution, implementing effective waste management systems, increasing public awareness and education, and supporting conservation efforts.

Q: Who is responsible for cleaning up the Thames?

A: The responsibility for cleaning up the Thames lies with a combination of government agencies, local authorities, and private organizations, as well as individuals who use the river.

Q: How can I get involved in cleaning up the Thames?

A: You can get involved in cleaning up the Thames by volunteering with local conservation groups, participating in river clean-up events, and making environmentally friendly choices in your daily life.