Canal Boat Holiday Safety Guide

Essential safety advice for your canal boat holiday. Learn how to prevent slips, navigate locks safely, and protect your crew on the waterways.

Family enjoying a safe canal boat holiday

Protecting Your Crew

You’re enjoying your holiday, getting the hang of the locks and steering the boats, so don’t ruin it by having an accident!

Waterways are beautiful, but they can also be hazardous. By following a few simple guidelines and using common sense, you can ensure that your entire crew stays safe and dry throughout your trip.

Slips and Trips

Most accidents on the waterways happen because people slip, trip, and fall.

Watch your step: Watch out for ropes, bollards, holes, and other hazards.
Wear the right shoes: Wear non-slip shoes with a good grip.
Don't jump: Don't try to jump from the boat to the bank. Step off carefully when the boat has stopped.
Keep off the roof: Don't walk on the roof of the boat while it's moving, and use the grab rails when moving along the side decks.

Lock Safety

Locks have deep water, steep drops, and slippery surfaces. Take extra care around them.

Keep children and pets away from the edge of the lock.
Don't let your boat get caught on the cill (the underwater ledge) when going down in a lock. Keep well forward of the "cill markers" painted on the lock side.
Always hold your windlass securely. If you let go while the paddle is under pressure, it could spin around rapidly and cause serious injury.
Never leave your windlass on the paddle gear when you're not using it.

Health Precautions: Weil's Disease

Water-borne diseases are rare, but Weil's disease (Leptospirosis) can be fatal. It is carried by the urine of infected animals, usually rats, and can enter the body through cuts or scratches.

Cover any cuts or scratches with waterproof plasters before handling wet ropes or touching the water.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food.
If you fall ill within a couple of weeks of your holiday with flu-like symptoms, tell your doctor you have been near canal water.

Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids

We provide buoyancy aids free of charge for all crew members. We highly recommend that non-swimmers and children under the age of 16 wear them at all times when outside the cabin. It is the skipper's responsibility to ensure that the crew wears them when navigating through locks or tunnels.