Two men were recently stopped by the Environment Agency while paddleboarding on the River Medway in Kent. Ross Mathieson and his friend were approached by officers during their two-hour paddleboarding session on July 3 to verify if they possessed a license. It was discovered that they did not have the required license, and they were informed of the potential fine of up to £1,000.
In a video capturing the encounter, Ross’s friend asked if they would be fined £1,000, to which the officer responded negatively. Ross, who works in car recovery, inquired about the situation, and the officer explained that a river license was mandatory. Ross expressed disbelief at the requirement, stating that it seemed unreasonable. The officers then advised them to join Paddle UK, the governing body for the sport, which includes a waterways license in its membership fees.
The annual cost for adult membership is £65, and it is essential for paddleboarding on inland rivers and canals but not in the sea. Ross compared paddleboarding to “riding a bicycle on water” and expressed reluctance to pay for the license now that he was aware of the obligation.
Following the incident, Ross shared his perspective, mentioning that the officers assured they would recognize them if they were spotted on the water again. He criticized the situation, stating that such regulations were becoming common in England, with numerous small fees hindering fun activities.
The video of the encounter drew attention on TikTok, with users expressing surprise at the incident. Some questioned the necessity of licensing for paddleboards compared to motorized boats, while others humorously asked about needing a walking license.
According to a Kent Police spokesperson, patrols have been conducted in collaboration with the Environment Agency to promote water safety and address antisocial behavior along the River Medway.
An Environment Agency representative clarified that they oversee and maintain over 600 miles of inland waterways in England. Vessel registration fees play a vital role in funding navigation services and ensuring safety for river users.
For more news updates, consider selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News to access the latest news conveniently.