HEALTH AND SAFETY

• International Water traffic laws state that you always keep to the right.
• The most mobile craft give way to less mobile craft and as you are in the most mobile and smallest, then you give way to everything.
• Good courteous manners always help.

• Locks control the flow of the water.
• Canoes and kayaks are asked to portage around these. Craft may be exiting the lock and you must give way to them.
• Always follow the instructions of the Lock Keeper.
• Not all locks have Lock Keepers.
• When approaching a lock be aware of possible weirs;
• Weirs are artificial waterfalls that divert the main body of the water along a separate course to that of the navigation.
• Getting pulled into the flow of these is avoided by staying on the other side of the River.
• Weirs are well marked, as are the Routes of Navigation. Please always follow the Routes of Navigation.
• Also be aware that as you are low on the water you can be difficult to see and always take precautions believing that you have not been seen until proven otherwise.
• Bridges: As water flows from a wider to narrower gap it speeds up as it is forced through. This often happens under the arches of the ancient bridges and a swell can occur by the pillar.
• It is easiest to continue to paddle in the centre of the gap and right through until the water slows again.
• Swans are the most feared creatures on the water, especially in springtime when they are nesting. They have been known to attack, so you must give them plenty of space.
• Life jackets or buoyancy aids of various sizes are available and are obligatory at all times.
• Helmets are also available especially for children.
  You will be given a safety brief prior to being allowed on the water. Every person going on a Thames River Adventure Trip must read and sign the “Health and Safety Disclaimer” which states that they are aware of the dangers of the Adventure Trip and have been given the “Introduction to Safety” information and practical instruction