Enjoy the waterways safely this summer

Around 300 million visits are made to British Waterways’ 2,200-mile network each year by walkers, cyclists, boaters or just people feeding the ducks and the waterways provide an increasingly popular destination for people enjoying the sunshine.

Any open body of water can, however, pose a hazard, particularly to unsupervised children or anyone under the influence of alcohol and British Waterways is urging visitors to the waterways this Summer to take extra care.

Canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks may look inviting on a hot, sunny day, but everyone should resist the temptation to take a dip. The water is frequently colder than expected and can bring on cramps to even the strongest swimmers. Many canals are also relatively shallow and anyone jumping or diving into them runs a risk of serious injury from hidden objects under the water. Currents created by passing boats and water movements around locks and weirs pose further dangers as does contact with canal or river water which can bring about stomach illnesses or, worse, Weil's Disease.

Peter Wade, British Waterways' safety advisor says: "Canals are a fantastic free attraction and half the population of the UK lives within five miles of a waterway. Children should, however, always be supervised by an adult and if anyone wants to go swimming they should go somewhere suitable, such as a swimming pool or lido. British Waterways cares for 2,200 miles of inland waterways and is committed to enabling everyone to enjoy the inland waterways to the full - safely."

Children can visit www.wow4water.net to find out more about Britain’s inland waterways and how to be SAFE by learning to Stay Away From the Edge when near the water. Adults can view and download safety resources from the same site.

Find your local canal or river
Find places to go by your local canal or river