Teaching children to swim in the River Thames in 1906 was a practice that might seem surprising today given the river’s pollution and dangers. Back then, the Thames was a vital part of London’s landscape, despite its polluted state. Swimming in the river was not uncommon, especially during hot summers when people sought relief from the heat.
However, the Thames was heavily polluted at the time, with industrial waste and sewage contaminating its waters. This led to health risks and dangers for those who ventured in for a swim. Despite the pollution, teaching children to swim in the river was a part of life for some communities, emphasizing the importance of learning this essential skill.
The practice of teaching children to swim in the Thames reflected a different era’s norms and attitudes toward recreation, water safety, and access to swimming facilities. Over time, efforts to clean up the Thames and improve public health led to regulations against swimming in its waters, highlighting the evolving understanding of health hazards and the importance of safer swimming environments.
