Two men were recently approached by Environment Agency officials while paddleboarding on the River Medway in Kent. The individuals, identified as Ross Mathieson and his companion, were questioned about possessing a license during their two-hour river excursion on July 3. Upon inspection, it was discovered that they did not have the required license, resulting in a warning of a potential fine of up to £1,000.

During the encounter, captured on video, one of the men asked about the possibility of a fine, to which the officer responded in the negative. Ross, who works in car recovery, expressed surprise at the situation and was informed about the necessity of a river license by the officer. The officers proceeded to take photographs of the pair and advised them to join Paddle UK, an organization governing the sport, which includes a waterways license as part of its membership fees.

The annual cost of adult membership with Paddle UK is £65, with the requirement for licensing applicable only to inland rivers and canals, not the sea. Ross likened his paddleboard to a “bicycle on water” and expressed reluctance to pay for the license now that he was made aware of the regulation.

In a post-incident statement, Ross recounted the officers’ response and his feelings towards the situation, highlighting the growing number of regulations impacting recreational activities. Social media users also shared their disbelief at the incident, questioning the necessity of licensing for non-motorized watercraft like paddleboards.

A spokesperson from Kent Police mentioned ongoing patrols to ensure water safety along the River Medway, collaborating with the Environment Agency to address antisocial behavior. Similarly, an Environment Agency representative emphasized the role of vessel registration fees in maintaining waterways for the safety and enjoyment of river users.

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