I don’t care about the sewage, I love swimming in the River Thames

But the local pools and lidos have been fully booked; the nearest beaches are miles away, you couldn’t park even if you got close to one and they’ve all been all jam-packed anyhow.

I’ve found what I believe is the perfect solution, though – a great big stretch of water right on the capital’s doorstep, AKA the River Thames! Except, when I tell people I often swim in it, they look aghast.

‘What about the sewage?’ they say, wrinkling up their noses. ‘And the boats? And Weil’s Disease?’ they add – a nasty illness you can catch from the urine of infected rats.

My partner, who wouldn’t venture in the Thames for love nor money, even likes to point out that sewage often spills into the river during heavy rain as it overwhelms the capital’s out-dated sewage system.

Then there’s the hazard of surface water run-off, sometimes from agricultural land, which may be contaminated with pollutants, such as fertilisers and pesticides. Not to mention boat traffic, duck poo, submerged rubbish and, in certain places, powerful tides.

I understand these concerns and why Thames swimming isn’t for everyone but, for me, the sheer joy of plunging in and swimming wild makes all the risks worthwhile.

There’s something wonderfully freeing about not having to book, pay, queue or jostle with others in overcrowded changing rooms. You can just leave your clothes and towel on the riverbank and jump right in.

I love the look and feel of the cold water, and the fact it doesn’t smell of chlorine. It’s fun to swim past reeds, ducks, swans and even the occasional heron.

Sometimes I’ll grab an overhanging branch while I take a look around, or float on my back with my eyes closed for a few moments – and just be. 

As my body and mind relax, the troubles of the day seem to melt away and I’m left feeling calm and at peace with the world. For me, it’s a bit like meditating and it’s great for both my mental health and wellbeing.

I try to pick times when the river’s less busy, either early morning or late afternoon. I don’t swim far enough out to be a nuisance to boats, but I find most river users are pretty laid-back and don’t mind sharing their space with me.

I do duck my head under, but I’m careful not to swallow the water and, fortunately, I’ve never become ill. I also watch out for passing traffic and so far, I’ve had no near-misses.

The Thames is such a great resource, it seems a shame more people don’t feel safe or brave enough to swim in it, particularly when it’s roasting outside. 

If you’re tempted, so long as you’re a reasonably strong, confident swimmer, here’s my advice: choose a safe spot where swimming’s allowed, take a friend, watch out for boats, don’t go too far from the bank, don’t swallow the water – and just go for it! 

With our summers getting hotter, isn’t it about time the Environment Agency and Thames Water increased their efforts to clean the water up, so that we can all enjoy worry-free, free swimming in one of the world’s most iconic rivers?