Henley Royal Regatta: Environment Agency issues warning

The organisation has said that while the Henley Royal Regatta is on, its Thames enforcement team is checking the registrations of those using the river.

If a person is using a boat or even a paddle board without a license, they could either be fined or prosecuted.

The Environment Agency said: “Whilst Henley is on, our Thames enforcement team were checking boat registrations between Shepperton & Molesey locks, including paddle boarders, which they need to use the river.

People line the river bank on the opening day of the 2025 Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames (Image: Andrew Matthews) “Not having one can lead to a day in court, criminal record and a hefty fine!”

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With temperatures around 33°C, it is expected many will try and use their boats, paddle boards or other equipment on the River Thames

Meanwhile, the Henley Royal Regatta began today (Tuesday, July 1) and will run until the end of the week (Sunday, July 6).

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More than 400 international standard races will take place on the course in the Oxfordshire town, with over 700 entrants competing from almost twenty nations.

Thousands have attended the event already with a relaxed dress code – including dropping the requirement to wear jackets in the Stewards’ Enclosure – announced considering the scorching temperatures.

The course measures one mile and 550 yards (2,112 metres) and races will take place throughout the week.