Daredevils film dramatic backflip into ‘dangerous’ River Thames from Tower Bridge

Safety experts have warned the waterway is a “very dangerous stretch of river” where “people lose their lives regularly”, amid a 31C heatwave.
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A dramatic video showing daredevil thrill seekers leaping from central London’s Tower Bridge into the “dangerous” River Thames has made waves across social media.

Four young men can be seen jumping from the busy water crossing point into the stream below, while backflipping and somersaulting on the way down.

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But safety experts have warned the waterway is a “very dangerous stretch of river” where “people lose their lives regularly” amid a heatwave during which London sizzled in 31C heat.

While some may be desperate to cool off with a quick dip, city residents have been urged to visit a lido or one of the city’s lifeguard patrolled swimming spots, rather than take the risk.

Four young men can be seen jumping from Tower Bridge into the River Thames. Photo: Adam SzaniawskiFour young men can be seen jumping from Tower Bridge into the River Thames. Photo: Adam Szaniawski
Four young men can be seen jumping from Tower Bridge into the River Thames. Photo: Adam Szaniawski

The clip, posted to Instagram on Sunday, July 10, was filmed by Adam Szaniawski, 18, a photographer, alongside his friends fellow photographers Toby, 19, Alexander, 23, and one other man, aged 18.

The group, who go by @adamszania, @tw.visions, @alexanderfarrell1999 and @cp.xl on social media, regularly share photos of high-rise adventures in and around London.

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Adam, who grew up in Harrow, north-west London, told LondonWorld: “We did it for the memories really.

“We have wanted to do this for a long time and we thought there’s no better time than a nice warm day.

A dramatic video showing daredevil thrill seekers leaping from a central London bridge. Photo: Adam SzaniawskiA dramatic video showing daredevil thrill seekers leaping from a central London bridge. Photo: Adam Szaniawski
A dramatic video showing daredevil thrill seekers leaping from a central London bridge. Photo: Adam Szaniawski

“Preparing for it was scary but it was all really mental fear.

“Once I was actually standing on the railing about to jump, I felt like my body and mind were at one, and that sort of tranquillity allowed for me to bypass all those built up fears and just focus on doing the jump with no fear, pretty much.”

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While social media users were stunned at the risk the group took, Adam dismissed their fears, despite admitting: “I might have swallowed a tiny bit of water if anything at all.

“However, I’m not really worried about it. I have good faith in my immune system as it hasn’t let me down yet.”

The group then swam to a ladder to exit the water. Photo: Adam SzaniawskiThe group then swam to a ladder to exit the water. Photo: Adam Szaniawski
The group then swam to a ladder to exit the water. Photo: Adam Szaniawski

He said the group emerged from the river after swimming to a ladder next to one of the boat stops along the bank.

Adam said: “We all work but all of us live for this kind of high adrenaline stuff.

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“I do freelance videography and photography as well as odd jobs here and there to fund my travels when I’m not getting clients.

“Although it’s my hobby, I really do live for moments like these where you just feel free.”

Safety experts have warned the waterway is a “very dangerous stretch of river”. Photo: Adam SzaniawskiSafety experts have warned the waterway is a “very dangerous stretch of river”. Photo: Adam Szaniawski
Safety experts have warned the waterway is a “very dangerous stretch of river”. Photo: Adam Szaniawski

But the coast guard has strongly warned against people entering the Thames water.

James Anthony, from Chiswick Lifeboat, said most people were unaware how dangerous the Thames was, and said no one should jump in.

He said: "Don’t do it. We’re not the fun police.

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“I can see the attraction of cool water in hot weather but the tidal Thames is a very dangerous stretch of river and people lose their lives regularly, so go to a lido instead."

Mr Anthony added: "The water is very fast-moving with two tides every 12 hours.

“It takes eight hours for it to ebb out but only four hours for it to flood in, so it’s flooding in at twice the rate it ebbs out, very powerful indeed."

Mr Anthony also said people should not jump in if their pets get into trouble but to phone 999 for the coast guard instead, who will reunite animals with their owners.

Forecasters at the Met Office have extended the extreme heat alert, as they warned of peak temperatures potentially posing a danger to life next week.