The nation’s canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks are enduringly popular, with around 300 million visits made to British Waterways’ 2,200 mile network each year.  With summer in full swing and many people planning to holiday in the UK, British Waterways is urging visitors to enjoy Nottinghamshire’s waterways safely. 

Nottinghamshire’s canals and rivers have something to offer everyone, from walkers and cyclists to boaters and anglers, families on days out and those wanting to enjoy the sunshine in a peaceful setting.  However, although the water may look tempting, any open body of water can pose a hazard, particularly to unsupervised children or anyone under the influence of alcohol. British Waterways is reminding visitors to Nottinghamshire’s waterways this summer to stay SAFE by remembering to Stay Away From the Edge when near the water. 

Canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks may look inviting on a hot, sunny day, but people should resist the temptation to take a dip.  Many of our waters are relatively shallow and anyone jumping or diving into them runs a risk of serious injury from hidden objects under the water.  The water is frequently colder than expected and can bring on cramps to even the strongest swimmers, while currents created by passing boats and water movements around locks and weirs pose further dangers.  Contact with canal or river water can also bring about stomach illnesses or Weil’s Disease.

British Waterways’ Waterway Manager (East Midlands) Sean McGinley said:  “Everyone loves to come down to the canal in the summer and it makes a fantastic free day out for all the family.  There are plenty of ways to enjoy the waterways safely, from picnics and wildlife walks to joining canoeing clubs and just watching the boats go by.  If anyone wants to go swimming we would suggest doing so in an appropriate place, such as a swimming pool.  British Waterways urges adults to make sure young children are supervised close to water, and we encourage people to stay away from the edge.”