The River Thames Could Become A Giant Swimming Pool

The River Thames Could Become A Giant Swimming Pool

Would you like to go for a swim in the River Thames?

British architecture firm Studio Octopi released designs this week for public swimming areas in the London river. The designs display 25-meter enclosed swimming areas that would be used for recreational swimming and exercise, and provide a space for fish and other aquatic life, the Daily Mail reports.

"The improvements in water quality open the possibility for once again swimming in the tidal Thames," Chris Romer-Lee of Studio Octopi told the Daily Mail.

thames baths

In 2012, new laws banned swimming in the Thames in areas of Central London for safety reasons. According to a BBC report at the time, tidal waves, whirlpools and currents were cited as reasons for the ban. Other less tidal areas of the Thames still allow swimming.

But even in less rocky areas of the river, it's still not a great idea to go for a swim. The UK government announced in May that swimming in the Thames carries a risk of gastrointestinal illness. Yum.

thames baths 2

The pools designed by Studio Ocotpi hope to remedy the Thames' issues and make swimming safe again.

Read more about the pools over at the Daily Mail.

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