New banners warning of the dangers of swimming at a Lock near Kingston were put up by the Environment Agency today.

The giant red banners can be seen on the railings by the Lock footbridges and on the Weir itself.

They state: "DO NOT SWIM OR JUMP IN THE WATER HERE. Severe risk of DROWNING or LIFE-CHANGING INJURY."

In a tweet, the EA Operations and Waterways Manager for the Thames Maria Herlihy said: "We have installed new water safety banners at #Teddington lock ,these banners highlight the serious risks of jumping into the River.

"We will be installing these signs along the whole River."

Last month, Kingston boat owners and volunteers spoke out about youths swimming at the Thames.

Turks Launches owner Richard Turk said he had "never seen the river so dangerous" as youths could be seen swimming on the Weir and diving off bridges.

In response, the Environment Agency fenced off the Lock's 'beach' and installed security.

The organisation told Nub News: "The Environment Agency have been working closely with our partner organisations since the spring to come up with effective ways of managing the on-going issue of people swimming near Teddington lock, as it is not something that we can solve on our own."

What do you think of the new banners?

Subscribe to our newsletter