There is something about locks that fascinates both boaters and the public. People walking dogs or just out for a stroll are lured to the locks to watch narrowboats navigate through them. The noise of the locks opening and the rush of crashing water along with the engineering involved in the construction is truly entrancing. You can’t help but be propelled back in time imagining mass industry utilising the canals.

However, the force of the water and the mechanics of locks makes them a dangerous environment if not respected. Just think that around 40000 gallons of water is gushing from one part of the canal to another!
To help you enjoy a safe and exciting canals and locks experience here is some advice.

1.Passage planning and communication.

Canals, especially areas where locks are situated can be busy, noisy places. It can be very difficult hearing when water is gushing around in great volumes. The difficulty occurs when a boater is trying to communicate from bow to stern in the cacophony. Getting messages or instructions to and fro is nigh on impossible so forward planning is imperative. A set of simple hand signals should be agreed and adhered to on an ongoing basis. The lock operator should be in overall charge of the situation as they can deal with things much better, like stopping water flow by closing the paddles. They can control and stabilise a situation easier.
A situation doesn’t necessarily need to involve your boat, it could be an incident on the towpath or indeed, involve another vessel.

2. Take you time

Boats are known to enter a lock, shut the gates and then fully open the paddles. This can be a highly dangerous situation causing the boat to lurch forward damaging the gates and the boat. There is also the more serious possibility of the helm or passengers being knocked off the boat in to the lock! Common practice is to only half open the paddles. Once clear of the cill the paddles can be fully opened.
If you fully open the paddles going uphill it causes furious turbulent water, risking dangerous boat movements with risks to lock, boat and crew members. Only fully open the paddles when the cill is covered. When lowering paddles back down never just let them drop.

Locks can differ depending on where it is and who constructed it, but every lock has gates and paddles and a ratchet system. Always take a look and check them out before pressing on and don’t be pressured by other boats in the vicinity.
The answer always lies in taking you time, assessing the lock and situation and doing things slowly and safely.

3.Life Jackets.

Unlike sea going vessels and crew, life jackets are still quite rarely used on the inland waterways, but if there is ever a place to wear them it is in tunnels and locks!
Children should wear them at all times. Locks have a deep vacuum of gushing and highly aerated water where you will have no natural buoyancy to stay afloat. Wearing a correctly fitted life jacket will give you the chance of keeping your head out of the water and give more time for a successful rescue.They can be more of a life saver if someone is knocked unconscious in an accident. Remember no one swims when they are unconscious! Complancency can be fatal so don’t take the risk.
Canals and locks when used properly are safe, interesting fantastic places and there is no need to be frightened of them and will give lots of pleasure.