E coli bacteria in London’s River Thames, sparks warning ahead of Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race: ‘it’s a national disgrace’

Testing found high levels of E coli along a section of the Thames that will be used for the historic race rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge on Saturday

The pollution has also cast doubt on the post-race tradition of throwing the winning cox into the water

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A “Danger” sign is seen on the River Thames, on the day data revealed sewage spills into England’s rivers and seas by water companies more than doubled last year. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:26pm, 28 Mar 2024Updated: 6:27pm, 28 Mar 2024

The coach of Oxford’s crew taking part in the Boat Race described the pollution in London’s River Thames as a “national disgrace.”

Testing by a campaign group has found high levels of E coli along a section of the Thames in southwest London that will be used for the historic race on Saturday.

Crew members have been warned about the risks of entering the water and advised to use a “cleansing station” at the finish area. The pollution has also cast doubt on the post-race tradition of throwing the winning cox into the water.

A bird sits atop a “Danger” sign on the River Thames. Photo: Reuters

It comes as figures released by the Environment Agency showed the level of sewage spills into England’s rivers and seas by water companies more than doubled in 2023 compared to 2022.

There has been no suggestion that the Boat Race between storied universities Oxford and Cambridge that dates to 1829 will not go ahead. The women’s race will precede the men’s event along the same 6.8km (4.2-mile) section of the Thames.

But Oxford coach Sean Bowden has lamented the state of the water the crews will be competing on.

It’s a national disgrace, isn’t it? … would you want to put your kids out in that?

Sean Bowden, Oxford coach

“It’s a national disgrace, isn’t it?” Bowden posed.