Thames red and yellow boards explained for rowing clubs
What the stream warning boards at Thames locks mean, and how to turn them into one clear decision for your members.
By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated
BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.
What the boards mean
On the non-tidal Thames the Environment Agency shows stream warnings at its locks:
- Red: strong stream. All boat users are advised not to navigate.
- Yellow: stream increasing. Users of unpowered boats, which includes rowing boats, are advised not to navigate.
- Yellow: stream decreasing. Unpowered boats are still advised not to navigate.
The current status for each reach is published on GOV.UK. Check the River Thames current river conditions page on the day rather than relying on any copy, including this one.
Turning a board into a club decision
The board is advice for the reach. Your club still decides who goes out. Many clubs write this into their risk assessment: red means nobody goes out, yellow means no rowing, or only in specific supervised circumstances. Set it once, write it down, and apply it the same way every time.
Make sure everyone sees it
The weak point is usually communication: the safety adviser has checked the boards, but a crew arriving at 6am has not. The decision needs to be visible where boats are signed out.
How BoatLog helps
In BoatLog the safety adviser sets the club's red, amber or green flag in seconds, and it shows on every phone and on the boathouse kiosk at the moment of sign-out. If conditions change while crews are out, you can see exactly which boats are on the water.
Questions
FAQ
Can you row on the Thames on yellow boards?
The Environment Agency advises users of unpowered boats, including rowing boats, not to navigate on yellow boards. Your club's own rules and safety adviser make the final call.
Where can I check the current Thames board status?
On GOV.UK's River Thames current river conditions page, which the Environment Agency updates for each reach.
Do the boards apply to the tidal Thames?
No. The boards cover the non-tidal river. The tidal Thames below Teddington is managed by the Port of London Authority under the Tideway Code.
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