Story by Eli Haidari.

The infamous White Swan Raft Race returned to Twickenham riverside last weekend in a bid to raise money for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).

In teams of two to six adults, the challenge is to build your own raft while sporting eye-catching attire and attempt to navigate across the river from the Twickenham pub, The White Swan, in the fastest time.

Participants were required to stick to the strict raft rules which included at least three materials being used to build your raft, paddles being handmade, no propulsion systems allowed – hands and handmade paddles only, rafts being entirely self-made – no boats, respecting the river when choosing materials and the responsible disposal of your raft post the race finishing.

Locals turned up in their hundreds to cheer the participants on whilst enjoying a cold beer in the summer sunshine.

The White Swan Raft Race 2022 winners (Image: White Swan)

Reflecting on Saturday's Raft Race, Amy Francis of RNLI Teddington said: "We were so pleased to see the White Swan able to reintroduce their annual Raft Race this year after a couple of year's break.

"This event always raises a fantastic amount of money to support us, with participants paying to enter and all fees being sent to us here at the RNLI, as well as the pub supporting us fundraise on the day from an incredibly generous public.

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"This Saturday's race raised over £1550 which is enough to train a volunteer crew member from Teddington RNLI station for over a year."

The Fundraising Chair for RNLI Twickenham, Teddington and District Branch added: "It also provided our Water safety Team with a fantastic opportunity to spread our Float To Live message and to remind people to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see someone in trouble in the Thames. A huge thanks to Elaine and Kevin at the White Swan, who are always so supportive."

RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives since 1824 in the UK and Ireland and continue to protect and educate people about the dangers of tidal waters.