Seal Tries To Hitch A Ride With Paddleboarders

Seal in playful mood on Christmas Eve near Kew Bridge

Paddleboarders on Christmas Eve made a new friend as a playful seal made an appearance new Kew Bridge.

Paul Hyman of 360 Paddleboarders tweeted 'Thames Seal playing with paddleboarders on the thames on Christmas Eve. Another reminder of why we need to protect our river".

His video of the seal had over 8,000 views with people tweeting, 'Love this, we must protect and restore our rivers', and So lovely'.

He also posted an image of a seal further down the river at Hammersmith on Boxing Day.

There has been concern recently about the water quality in the Thames, following a deal seal being washed up near Chiswick Staithe last month.

Walkers had reported a reduction in the number of sightings of seals over the last few months. compared to earlier in the year when they had been spotted regularly.

So the arrival of the seal last week was a good omen to those concerned about pollution levels in the river.

Concern had also mounted about water quality when rowers had received notification of the discharge of untreated sewage into the River Thames, due to lack of capacity in the existing sewer network from both Hammersmith Pumping Station and Mogden following heavy rain.

Thames seal playing with @active360 Paddleboarders on the Thames on Christmas Eve. Another reminder of why we need protect our river #active360 pic.twitter.com/DMroahuE6R

— paul hyman (@active360paul) December 25, 2018

The Thames Tideway Tunnel will divert sewage and rainwater away from tidal areas, and is expected to open in 2024. It is hoped this will go further to improve ecological conditions.

December 30, 2018