Stroudwater Navigation Safety Information

Safety Information:

Safety on and by canals is largely a matter of common sense and the key thing is to always remain aware of your surroundings and in what ways you may be exposed to risk. Accidents are rare on canals and we very much want to keep it that way.

Swimming is not allowed in the canal. Amongst other risks, there is debris on the bed of the canal which could cause injury and there is a risk of getting tangled up in weed.

Care is needed when close to, or operating locks. If you are boating please make sure you are familiar with lock operation before trying to use the locks. The normal canal bed is usually fairly shallow at the edges and deep in the middle whereas the water within and close to the locks and  bridges will be deep - these are not a good places to fall in!

It is particularly important to stay away from areas where water is flowing into or out of locks as they are filled or emptied as strong currents exist. If someone does fall in, shout to the boat crew to close the paddles and try and grab the person in the water from the bank - only enter the water if necessary and only when the paddles have been closed. Lock users should be particularly careful not to fall forwards when opening traditional Stroudwater Canal ground paddles at the head of the lock (e.g. Newtown Lock). 

Boats should be kept clear of the lock gates as a boat can get caught against them as the water rises and falls and in a falling lock, the end of the boat can get caught on the top cill. The Stroudwater Locks are wide and there is also a risk of smaller boats getting lodged across the lock sideways - the key to all this is to be vigilant and shut the paddles quickly if there are signs of a developing problem.

When crossing lock gates, keep a tight hold of the handrail.

It is also important not to get too close to the edges of unrestored locks as there is a considerable drop and the bottom could be dry or only covered by shallow water.

Please do not allow children to play on maintenance plant and equipment being used to restore the canal and keep clear of places where restoration work is taking place.

Please do not throw anything into the canal.

Be aware that the canal and its surroundings are part of the natural habitat. There will be plants that prick and sting and which might be poisonous growing by or in the canal and its surroundings. Please leave nothing behind, especially litter, dog mess and fishing lines/hooks.

The canal sometimes freezes over in winter and the only safe advice is to stay right off the ice. Flows from overflow weirs and currents in the canal can cause weak spots even if the ice is apparently solid.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of potential risks. If you become aware of a specific risk, particularly if it is one which might not be obvious to canal users, please inform Paul Coupe at Stroud District Council.

More information about safety on the waterways can be found at : http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/handbook/home/index.htm

Please read the Guide to Navigation link for more information.

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