In Focus: New safety films for first-time canal boaters

A series of animated films designed to help boaters navigate the UK’s inland waterways safely has been launched by the Canal & River Trust and the Environment Agency.

The five videos, available on YouTube, are designed primarily for new boaters, including hire boaters. The trust says that they give straightforward guidance on staying safe when boating, mooring, and using locks. There is also information about bridges, tunnels, weirs and sluices, and advice to help boaters protect the waterway network’s unique heritage and wildlife.

The animations are designed to complement the Boater’s Handbook by offering key navigation advice in an alternative / accessible format. This is being welcomed by boaters, says the trust, especially following the growth in new waterway users since the pandemic.

“These videos cover all the things boaters could expect to come across in an everyday cruise, and we hope that they will help new boaters feel confident as they cast off and discover the wonders of the nation’s inland waterways,” says Matthew Symonds, national boating manager at Canal & River Trust. “We want to make sure people have the best possible experience and provide them with the information they need to safely handle a boat.”

Watch staying safe around locks

Keep up to date with all the latest news from the trust in MIN’s archives.