Resources & Guidance / Canoeing Code

CANOEING CODE

Welsh rivers and lakes offer a variety of high quality canoeing opportunities for people of all abilities. Help preserve this resource for the future by making sure that you: 
  • Respect other people
  • Protect the natural environment
  • Enjoy the outdoors and stay safe
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Natural Resources Wales and the Countryside Code

NRW has produced a series of guidance documents which together make up the Countryside Codes . On their website you can find a range of resources to help you enjoy the Welsh countryside responsibly and protect it for future generations. The Canoeing Code is one part of this family of codes. The full text of the Canoeing Code is reproduced below and you can download it from NRW's website here.


The Canoeing Code


Respect other people

 

  • The Countryside Code gives important advice on how to use the countryside responsibly. Be aware of it before you go out and follow it at all times.
  • Don’t trespass. There are areas with designated public access, including rights of way, access land and some waters with navigation rights. However, outside of these areas, you should not assume that you have access onto any land or water without the owner’s permission. Find out about places with public and permissive rights of access and egress at Outdoor Wales OnLine in the interactive map section of the Natural Resources Wales website: www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
  • Consider the impact of parking your vehicles. Plan a shuttle accordingly; team up with others to avoid creating congestion on country roads, and unpack and change in a considerate way.
  • Ensure you don’t damage fences and walls, especially if lifting your boats over them.
  • Be aware that other people may be carrying out activities (such as angling, gorge walking or swimming) in, on or around the water. Where necessary, stop, communicate and adjust your actions accordingly.
  • Be aware of other vessels in the water – follow local navigation guidelines when passing.

 


Protect the natural environment

 

  • For your own enjoyment and the protection of the environment, make sure
  • that there is enough water in the river before you commit to paddling it.
  • Many fish species lay their eggs in gravel in the shallow parts of the river between autumn and spring; they may be very vulnerable at this time and it is an offence
  • to harm them. If possible, try and avoid contact with gravel on the riverbed, at any time of year.
  • Take care not to damage plants in and around the water. Stick to established paths or bare rock when exploring rapids or carrying equipment as banks can be very
  • sensitive to erosion or be home to vulnerable species.
  • Ideally, stepping from your vessel in deep water onto bare rock or a robust river bank is the least damaging way of getting out of
  • the water.
  • Take care not to alarm birds, livestock or other animals as they may be very sensitive to disturbance; if you see animals looking agitated by your presence move away quietly.
  • Be aware that ground-nesting and hole-nesting birds may be breeding on islands, banks and shingle in the spring and summer; be particularly careful not to disturb them at this time.
  • Check – Clean - Dry. Introducing invasive species of plants and animals to watercourses may have very serious effects on the habitats found there. You can prevent this by checking, cleaning and drying your clothing and equipment thoroughly before going to a new place. For more information, visit the Non-Native Species Secretariat(NNSS) pages on DEFRA’s website - www.defra.gov.uk or for canoe specific guidance visit our page on Protecting our Environment .

 

Enjoy the outdoors and  stay safe

 

  • Check weather and water conditions before you leave home and when you arrive. The water environment can change rapidly due to rain and tide; do not expect it to always be the same.
  • You are responsible for your own safety. Consider the limits of your group as a whole. Be realistic about what you are attempting, choose appropriate venues and plan accordingly – you should be asking yourself:
  • What are the weather and water conditions?
  • Have you got the right equipment and experience to deal with what you are intending to do?
  • Do you have a plan in case something goes wrong?
  • You should never feel that you are committed to paddle something you do not feel ready for. If you are unsure of your abilities it is essential to seek appropriate training.
  • Without appropriate equipment, the effects of immersion in cold water and wind chill can be hazardous. Be dressed and able to deal with any weather conditions.
  • If you lose equipment while paddling, report it to the police on 101 to prevent the initiation of a search.

 



Report environmental incidents on rivers (including flood risks) to the  Natural Resources Wales Incident Reporting Centre, open 24/7 on 0300 065 3000.

If you see sewage entering a watercourse call Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water’s hotline on 0800 085 3968 or you can also report pollution or other wildlife crime by calling 0800 80 70 60.For non-emergency issues you can contact the police on 101.

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