Two men were stopped by police while paddleboarding on the River Medway in Kent. Ross Mathieson and his friend were approached by officers who checked if they had the necessary license for paddleboarding. It turned out they did not have the required license and were informed of a potential fine of up to £1,000.
During the encounter, Ross’s friend questioned the possibility of being fined, to which the officer responded negatively. Ross, who works in car recovery, expressed surprise at the situation and was informed about the requirement for a river license. The officers advised them to join Paddle UK, the sport’s governing body that includes a waterways license in its membership fees.
The annual adult membership fee for Paddle UK is £65, with licensing only mandatory for inland rivers and canals, not for sea paddleboarding. Ross compared paddleboarding to a “bicycle on water” and expressed reluctance to pay for a license after learning about the regulation.
Following the incident, Ross mentioned that the officers took photos of them and warned them about future recognition if found on the water again. He expressed his lack of surprise at the situation, stating that such occurrences are common in England, with many minor regulations hindering recreational activities.
The Kent Police spokesperson noted that officers have been conducting patrols to ensure water safety and address any reports of antisocial behavior along the River Medway. The Environment Agency highlighted the importance of waterway licenses for maintaining navigational services and facilities along inland waterways in England.
Social media users expressed disbelief at the incident, questioning the necessity of licenses for paddleboards compared to motorized boats. The incident shed light on the regulations surrounding water activities in the area, sparking discussions about the need for such licensing requirements.
