Boating the River Ouse

Boating on the River Ouse

Boaters should note that the river becomes tidal below Naburn Locks, and the waterway downstream of Selby is not recommended for novices. The lower reaches of the river are only suitable for seaworthy craft. So before you travel, you may want to check our guidance information below:

• Check the byelaws here
• Tidal Section Bridge & Lock contact details
• Selby Rail Swing Bridge Times
• Ouse Passage Planning Abort Points
• The River Ouse guidance notes for planning a safe passage
• Selby and Naburn Tide times and Lock shift times
• Selby Town Swing Bridges Radio Call up Points for Bridge Information
• River Ouse - Naburn Craft Guidance
• For passage through Castle Mills Lock in York contact the IWA

Naburn Lock

Naburn Lock operating times

• Before High Water (HW): 3 hours 
• After High Water (HW): 4.5 hours 

Booking requirements

• Winter (Mid Oct – Last Week in Feb): 48-hour advance booking required. 
• Summer (Last Week in Feb – Mid Oct): 48-hour advance booking recommended. We will accommodate shorter notice where possible. 
• To book, please contact the lock keeper at 01904 728500. 

Operating hours

• Summer: 6am – 10pm (Last week of February to mid-October) 
• Winter: 6am – 10pm (First daylight tide only, from mid-October to the last week of February) 

Additional information

• Location note: Naburn Lock marks the end of the tidal section of the River Ouse. 
• Lock keeper shift times: Now available on the Canal & River Trust website. 
• Lock operations: All locks are mechanically operated and manned during the hours stated above. Self-penning is not permitted—all operations are managed by Canal & River Trust lock keepers. 

Emergencies 

• The Canal & River Trust is not an emergency service, but will assist where possible. 
• In an emergency, call 999 and request the Coastguard. 
• For emergency operational issues, contact First Response at 0800 4799947 (available 24/7).