Dear Members,
As we near the anticipated period of Yellow flag status, we wish to highlight/remind members of the importance of our PTRC Safety and Emergency plan, particularly focusing on section 1.6 Flag status. Please note our update on Yellow and red flag status below (italics).
The Port of London Authority's (PLA) Ebb Tide Flag Warning system uses flags to alert river users about the flow rate of the Thames during ebb tides.
'Putney Town pays strict attention to the PLA Ebb Tide Warning System. The Green, Yellow, Red & Black Flagged system monitors the volume of fluvial flow on the ebb tide.
The PLA display the coloured flags on the home page of their web site www.pla.co.uk and the www.boatingonthethames.co.uk website.
Green = The PLA advise all river users to navigate with caution and maintain a proper lookout.
Yellow = The PLA advises all river users that the fluvial flow is stronger than average and they advise schools, novices or junior crews or those that do not regularly use the tidal Thames not to go afloat. In Yellow flag situations, experienced oars and steers people (6+ months of gaining their Steer Cert) are allowed to boat.
Red = The PLA advises all river users that the fluvial flow is far higher than usual and extreme caution is urged PLA advise man-powered vessels not to go afloat.
In a Red flag ebb tide situation, no one is allowed to boat from PTRC. In a Red flood tide situation we’d advise experienced rowers to go afloat only, unless accompanied by a coach.
Black = The PLA advises all river users that the fluvial flow is less than usual and lower than predicted tides may be expected, especially around low water. '
Should you have any questions, please reach out to Paul Debois (from the PTRC - Safety Notices WhatsApp Group), your Club Water Safety Advisor.
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