To be fair, the first time I saw Thames written down, I assumed it was pronounced with the "aims" sound, like "James" is, so it's an easy mistake to make, and on that is much easier if nobody has ever corrected you. Who knows how many words there are which I could encounter and not be sure of the correct pronunciation? No doubt a great many.

As for Columbo's watery expeditions, let us not forget that he dabbled in the shallow end of the pool in "The Most Crucial Game", getting his foot wet enough that he had to walk around without one of his shoes. If not a boat/ship/yacht trip, can we at least call that a paddle, albeit an unintentional one?

It's a stretch....but since I am in a good mood, I'll buy it!! Nut!!!