New Animated Guides Launch to Help Boaters Navigate UK Waterways Safely
The Environment Agency and Canal & River Trust have teamed up to launch a fresh series of animated films aimed at helping boaters safely explore the UK’s inland waterways—including the famous River Thames.
Quick, Easy Safety Tips for New Boaters
These five short animations, now streaming on YouTube, are tailored especially for new and hire boaters. They deliver no-nonsense advice on safe boating, mooring, and using locks. Plus, they cover tricky spots like bridges, tunnels, weirs, and sluices. There’s also guidance on protecting the waterways’ unique wildlife and heritage.
The animations complement the classic Boater’s Handbook by providing key navigation tips in an accessible format—perfect for the surge of new waterway users since the pandemic.
Experts Back the Animated Series
Jo Scully, National Navigation Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Having listened to our customers, we are delighted to launch, along with the Canal & River Trust, these quick and easy-to-watch safety videos which will help bring confidence to new boaters setting out on the water for the first time. They highlight hazards and how to avoid them, so you can relax and safely enjoy the pleasures of our beautiful waterways alongside other river users.”
Matthew Symonds, National Boating Manager at Canal & River Trust, added:
“The waterways are fantastic places to explore by boat and it’s great that boating remains a popular leisure and holiday option for so many people experiencing the waterways for the first time.
We want to make sure people have the best possible experience and provide them with the information they need to safely handle a boat. These videos cover all the things boaters could expect to come across in an everyday cruise, and we hope that they will help new boaters feel confident as they cast off and discover the wonders of the nation’s inland waterways.”
Where to Watch & More Info
- Watch the safety animations on the Canal & River Trust and Environment Agency YouTube channels: EA’s Boating Safely – YouTube.
- The Boater’s Handbook remains a go-to guide for essential boat-handling and safety knowledge.
- The Canal & River Trust looks after 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England and Wales, promoting healthy, happy communities through waterway experiences.
- The Environment Agency manages over 1,000 km of navigable waterways and two harbours, supporting sustainable tourism and local economies with over 15 million visitors a year.
