Drought Advice to Paddlers

 Although we had a really wet start to the year this last month has been a lot drier with little rain.

The lack of rain places a great strain on the environment and our sport. The dry spell is already impacting on our waterways where we are seeing some low river levels that could affect fish and wildlife. Therefore, it is important to follow guidelines when you are either considering to paddle or when you are on the water.

Advice to Paddlers

We recommend that you consider the following actions in order to minimise the risk to both yourself and the natural environment:

• Do not paddle on waterways that are too shallow and where you may come into contact with the river or lake bed. This may have the potential impact of disturbing wildlife and their habitats or attracting allegations of disturbance.

• If you encounter shallower areas, read the water and seek out a deeper channel where possible as your route.

• Low flows mean there is less water to dilute effluent/runoff from surrounding land and sewage treatment works.  Be aware lower levels of water quality can present a potential health hazard.

• Be aware of toxic blue-green algae which may be more common on our waterways at times of low water flow/quantity.

• Use water sparingly when washing down your equipment when following Stop The Spread/Check, Clean and Dry (biosecurity) guidance. If a hosepipe ban is introduced then it is permissible to use a hosepipe for biosecurity and health & safety measures in provisions under the Water Use (Temporary Bans) Order 2010. 

• Report incidents, pollution, and damage to the environment such as fish deaths to the relevant authorities:

Natural Resources Wales for pollution and fish deaths tel: 0300 065 3000

The Canal and River Trust/Glandwr Cymru Out of hours 0303 040 4040

RSPCA for wildlife and animals in distress 0990 55 59 99 

For further advice in Wales, please contact phil.stone@canoewales.com