As this drought takes a hold Ken, NABO’s Welfare Officer has a few words of advice for anyone out there worried about the ever decreasing water levels.
“The reduced water levels have an obvious effect on navigation but there are hidden dangers too. Debris within the canal, which you may have cruised over many times before without any problem now becomes a hazard. You may want to relocate nearer to any Services before levels drop even further but please cruise with caution as damage to your craft can be expensive!
The other obvious problem is when attempting to pull into the side on lock landings, or trying to moor up boats can often be about a metre away from the towpath .This is a serious problem for us less abled boaters. Please risk assess your movement due to your individual circumstances.
The best thing to do if you are affected by low water levels is to notify your Navigation Authority, whether they be the local Canal River Trust licensing team, the EA or whomever. Communication is definitely the key. Make sure you log your call and get the operatives’ details or better still use email as you then have a paper trail”.
The final thing to remember is if you are unsure and need advice then feel free to email Ken at welfare@nabo.org.uk