RIVER FLOW :

River flows will vary from river to river. Mainly due to the shape of the river, the river depth at various stages of the waters journey, natural and man-made obstacles… The river will generally flow the fastest on the outside of the bend. It can also flow faster in the deepest part of the river, which will sometimes be the middle/central channel of the river. The image/photo below, very roughly demonstrates the likely flow of an incoming tide. With the bulk of the water movement and current down the middle of the channel, weaker currents towards the bank and the main flow moving along the outside of the bend.

The rivers flow strength can depend on the weather. Heavy rain or saturated ground can increase the flow. It doesn't have to be raining locally, any rain in the rivers catchment area can increase the flow. Melting ice from hilly/mountainous regions can increase the volume of water flowing downstream. Periods of hot dry weather can make the ground rock solid, which then increases surface run-off when it does rain… Worth considering all of these factors.

*Real time flow data and other useful info is available through the RIVERAPP, in the Uk and lots of countries worldwide.

CURRENTS/TIDES :

Slightly different to the flow are currents. More influenced by the tides, towards river estuaries. The tide can push right up a river (depending on the river and its size and location). Much like the sea, tides here are predictable and planning can be made around tide times. An outgoing tide and strong river flow, can make for some really strong water movement in rivers.

OBSTACLES :

Obstacles and objects in a river are definitely worth considering. Felled trees leaning into the water, or in the water(!), old boats, the odd shopping trolley… Static objects in the river can do a lot of damage, if swum into at any speed. As can debris floating down the river.

WATER DEPTH :

Water depth can vary in any part of the river. This can happen gradually and you can witness the depth gradually changing whilst swimming. It can also happen with little warning, especially when swimming with the current. Always a good idea to take a SUP or kayak guide, if swimming with the rivers flow. As well as acting as a boat ‘spotter’, they can check for obstacles throughout the swim.

Mud flats are a definite concern and rivers that can empty to expose mud flats and large muddy banks need to be taken seriously. You don’t want to end up stuck in the mud.

OTHER RESOURCES :

Other real time, online resources are available, in relation to the rivers and include the following, with hyperlinked text :

THE RIVER MAP - covering Scotland (but not England or Wales) and a number of European countries.

River Predictor - covers Scotland, Wales and parts of England.

River App - as discussed above.

Uk Flood Pro - monitors flood warnings in the UK.