The increasing popularity of staycations and the inland waterways for all manner of leisure activities mean that some places can get busy with people learning the ropes. So, here's a few tips for everyone, so that we can all share the space in harmony.
Tips for experienced boaters:
- Remember we were all learners once!
- If there's a long queue at a flight of locks, offer to help out and speed the traffic through.
- A bit of patience and a big smile goes a long way to making everyone's day.
- Think how you'd feel if someone said that to you when you were a newbie boater!
Tips for new boaters/hirers:
- Don't panic when you reach a lock, it's not difficult, honest! Other boaters are often happy to help if you are nervous, but don't expect them to do it all for you.
- You may be out cruising in party mode but not everyone else is. Please be aware that other people may have young children on board. If you are going to make a lot of noise make sure no-one else can hear you by mooring up in the middle of nowhere.
- If you hit another boat always apologise and check that no damage has been caused. If damage has been caused please exchange details, just like you would in a car accident.
- Try not to hit anything and, if you do think you're about to crash, reduce your speed before you collide.
Tips for all boaters:
- You wouldn't drink over the limit and drive on the road, so don't do it on the waterways either.
- Shuffle up and share the space.
- Keep calm and slow down
- Be a GOODBOATER
Happy boating everyone.
