Safety

  There are public footpaths alongside the Jubilee for most of its length that are suitable for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. Before you set out to use the path it is worth checking if the Jubilee is being operated. During operation, we close parts of the footpath alongside the Jubilee for your safety. 

When we operate the Jubilee, we put warning signs up at key locations along the channel such as the Marsh Lane and Lake End Road car parks and Slough Road Weir. At higher flows, we also close footpaths at Black Potts viaduct and the M4 underpass to protect the public. An example of a safety board is below.

  No Swimming is permitted anywhere along the Jubilee Flood Relief Channel. The Jubilee is not safe for swimming at any time of the year. Sadly, there have been multiple fatalities in the Jubilee. The water is cold with hidden pockets of turbulent water, powerful currents and eddies especially near structures such as bridges and weirs. In some places the channel is up to 5 metres deep. When the Jubilee is in operation there can be rapid changes in water levels with stronger currents. 

 Location markers

All the bridges along the Jubilee have location markers. This is to make it easier if you need to call the emergency services because someone is in trouble in the water

Important Links

Emergency services across the Thames Valley join forces with local Olympic swimmer, Tom Dean to share important water safety message

Float to Live. Would you know what to do if you got into difficulty in the water? Float by following these five simple steps – it could save your life.

Safety on the Jubilee River - remembering Michael Scaife

Message from Environment Agency Waterways team