The Port of London Authority has issued a Red Flag for the tidal Thames, warning locals and life boat stations of alarmingly strong currents.

The EBB Tide Flag is a warning system, developed in 2011 by the Port of London Authority to monitor fluvial flow conditions in the upper Thames.

Traditionally, red flags are issued in the winter due to an increased amount of rainfall.

Earlier today, the London Trust Port issued a brief statement which read: "The Port of London Authority advise all river users that the fluvial flows are very strong and conditions are difficult and dangerous.

"All man-powered vessels are advised not to go afloat on the Ebb Tide."

Teddington's RNLI Lifeboat Station reiterated the message via Twitter, writing: "The Port Of London Authority has declared the flow on the tidal Thames to be worthy of a Red Flag which is issued to show a considerable and potentially dangerous flow of water flowing from source, outbound. The volume flow at Kingston during the summer is around."

The tidal Thames is a popular location for swimming and water sport activities including kayaking and paddle-boarding, however, with the current added difficulty for RNLI stations to mount their powered vessels, locals are being warned to take extra care on the river.