BAFTA-award-winning television presenter and environmentalist Steve Backshall believes lives could be lost on the Marlow stretch of the Thames, due to excessive speeding by boat users.

Speaking to the Bucks Free Press before the Easter break, the 47-year-old believes that fast speeds along the river could cause people who swim in the water, as well as the birds that live in nests, to die.

He said: “Just remember that especially at this time of the year, the riversides are aligned with nesting birds and if you go too fast, you’ll kill them.

READ MORE: Steve Backshall hits out at Thames Water over sewage leak

“It is that simple.

Steve Backshall swimming with sharks to launch the Shark Trust No Limits? campaign at Sea Life London Aquarium in 2014 (Philip Toscano/PA)

Steve Backshall swimming with sharks to launch the Shark Trust No Limits? campaign at Sea Life London Aquarium in 2014 (Philip Toscano/PA)

“But right now, with so many people wild swimming, there is a danger of a fatality on our stretch as there are too many people going too fast and with people swimming.

"It is just horrendous to think about as it could lead to a disaster.”

The animal lover also pleaded to the public back in the summer of 2019 to slow down along the river, as the fast speeds could cause a ‘veritable tsunami’, which could be fatal to several creatures that live in the area.

READ MORE: Celebrity resident pleads for boats to slow down on Thames amid wildlife fears

Speaking two years ago to the BFP, he said: “I know the nests and check the progress of every single grebe, chick, coot, kingfisher, and swan on our stretch.

“One single craft sending a big swell up the banks floods nests, washes away eggs which kills the youngsters.

“As a naturalist, people speeding at this time of year is heartbreaking.”

If you see any animals in danger or that are injured, please call the RSPCA.