British Waterways Calls For Extra Vigilance Along Icy Waterways

11 December 2008

British Waterways’ (BW) 2,200 mile network of canals and rivers is visited all year round by walkers, joggers, boaters and cyclists, but now that the winter chill is setting in, BW is urging everyone to be careful when visiting canals this winter.

Recent wintry days and dropping temperatures have brought picturesque and frosty scenes to many of the nation’s historic waterways, with some freezing over altogether. The cold weather brings with it its own particular hazards however, and British Waterways is calling on waterway visitors to take extra care this winter.

Towpaths, bridges and lock-sides can be particularly slippery at this time of year and snow can conceal trip hazards such as boat mooring rings close to the water’s edge. Frozen waterways, while they look idyllic, can also be very dangerous and visitors should never attempt to walk on the ice. This is particularly important with activities involving young children, such as feeding ducks or dog walking and BW’s message for visitors is to stay SAFE (Stay Away From the Edge).

Tony Stammers, head of health and safety for British Waterways explains: “winter is a lovely time to get out and visit your local canal or river. The frost, ice and snow have an almost magical affect that makes the waterways popular with walkers, photographers and artists. It is vital, however, that people take particular care to avoid turning a gentle walk into a miserable visit to A&E or worse. Children in particular should always be accompanied by an adult when they visit a waterway and should be made aware of the potential hazards.”

For more information about planning a safe trip to the waterways visit Wild Over Waterways, or the website of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.