Swimmers and pets warned to ‘stay out’ of toxic Thames bathing spot

Emily Bashforth | Live News reporter Published August 19, 2026 7:51pm Updated August 19, 2026 7:51pm Swimmers have been warned of toxic algae in the Thames bathing site (Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire) If you had plans to take a dip in London’s first official bathing site this summer, think again. Swimmers have been warned against swimming in the water in Kingston upon Thames due to pollution from toxic algae. The caution was issued by the Environment Agency, which has also told locals to avoid going into the water along a broader stretch of the river that is likely to have been hit by the algae. It added that it is ‘vitally important’ to keep dogs away, too. The blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to human and animal health. Cyanobacteria (plant-like organisms that live in