
Direct River Abstraction to Vertical Aquatic and Invites to Real Talk and Growth
Get every episode summarized
Each time Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
About this episode
42 is with a call to action and some calls to meet. More from Mick & Sue.

Protecting the Thames River near London
A much-loved open water swimming spot near Teddington on the River Thames is at risk.
Thames Water's proposed Teddington Direct River Abstraction (TDRA) scheme plans to remove up to 75 million liters of river water daily during droughts, replacing it with treated sewage effluent pumped year-round from the Mogden Sewage Treatment Works.
This spot is more than just a body of water. It's a sanctuary for swimmers, paddlers, rowers, dogs, and entire communities. Thousands rely on it for physical health, mental wellbeing, and meaningful connection.
Simon Griffiths's call in Outdoor Swimmer made this call to stop that plan.
Here's how you can help:
Deadline: August 26, 2025
✅ Send an email to: [email protected]
Use your own words, or adapt this message:
I object to Thames Water's TDRA scheme. Discharging treated sewage into a treasured recreational stretch of the Thames, year-round, is unacceptable. This river supports thousands of water users and wildlife. Sustainable solutions like fixing existing leakage—currently over 600 million liters per day—should come first. Please register my objection formally with the Planning Inspectorate.
Let's protect what matters. Share this episode. Take action today
Mick & Sue Nelson, Colorado Springs, CO, USA, owners of Total Aquatic Programming, https://TotalAquatic.LLC
-
Check out the business meeting after the ASCA World Clinic and the Build-a-Pool event in early 2026 at AOAP event.
From open water swimming alerts to business workshops, we've got you covered.
-
Discover the threats facing a cherished stretch of the Thames and how you can help.
-
Learn about the Aquatic Health Club model initiative and its impact on private and nonprofit sectors.
-
Get insights into the upcoming coaches Aquatic Business Workshop and its benefits.
-
Explore the importance of purpose-driven business in the aquatics industry.
-
Find out about the All Things Aquatics event on September 20th and how it can be a fun networking event for your aquatic career.
The series with Mick & Sue started on episode #37. Feel free to play prior interview parts.

Get every episode summarized
Each time Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide

Launch & Gifting Coach Mark's Public Policy Playbook: Aquatics and Recreation 4...
Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide

Navigating Federal and Provincial Sport Funding: Barry Healy's Fight for Local R...
Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide

ISCA Hall of Fame Tribute video for IU's Ray Looze
Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide

ISCA Hall Of Fame Tribute -- Heavy Or Not, episode #112 -- Matt Kredich of Univ...
Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide