Drought Advice Note to Paddlers

Paula Mckenna • 27 July 2022

The lack of Water during Summer doesn't just affect your paddling!

As you are aware many parts of the country are experiencing long periods of hot, dry weather. 



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 lower river levels than normal with some more of the smaller rivers drying up which will 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 which 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 attract allegations of disturbance.


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


 • If you paddle on a Canal, limit the number of times a lock has to open you should share the lock with other craft or simply portage around the lock.

• Low flows means there is less water to dilute effluent/run off 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: 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

Recent Posts

Canoe Wales Performance Slalom Squad 2024/25

20 November 2024
A huge congratulations to the following paddlers for making it onto the Canoe Wales Slalom Programme. Your dedication and commitment over the past twelve months have truly paid off, and the progress you have all made is commendable. Such good work everyone!

AGM Roundup, Board Updates and Branding

14 November 2024
On Tuesday evening, Canoe Wales welcomed over 80 people to it’s online AGM and Annual Meeting. The evening started with an introduction from the Canoe Wales Chair, Kerry Chown who then introduced Tavi Murray and Russell Scaplehorn who began the evening with a talk on their incredible sea kayaking trip around Wales. Tavi and Russell took us on a journey around the coastline, into the canals and estuaries, and through storms and other challenges. They inspired us all to do something similar with tales of connection and achievement and it was a great start to the evening. The normal business of the AGM came next, and viewers received an update on the Canoe Wales Board. They also received an overview of the five nominees for the two vacant elected positions and we moved into the voting. It was clear the voting was a key focus of the evening and significantly contributed to the bumper turnout. Many proxy votes had been received demonstrating the interest and engagement and also the high calibre of the five candidates. As a consequence of the voting, Megan Hamer-Evans and Jim Potter were selected as the two candidates and will be inducted on to the Canoe Wales Board of Directors in the coming weeks. Kerry Chown then gave her Chair’s report where she announced she would be standing down as Chair next June. Alistair Dickson, CEO, followed with an update of the activities of the association across the various functional areas. Andy Booth, Canoe Wales Finance Director, then followed and gave a detailed picture of the financial situation of both Canoe Wales and Canoe Wales Sales and Services. Votes were taken where the accounts were approved as presented and Bevan Buckland LLC were reappointed for 2024-25. Kerry then introduced the Board’s proposal to change the trading name of Canoe Wales to Paddle Cymru. This was approved with 80% of voters in approval of the change. Canoe Wales will be changing its trading name to Paddle Cymru, heralding a new era for us as the national governing body for paddlesport in Wales. The new name and brand identity were approved by the Canoe Wales membership following it’s AGM on Tuesday evening. This is following an extensive process of consultation with its paddling community, partners and stakeholders over the past two years. It’s also following the proposal of the International Canoe Federation to become Paddle Worldwide which was agreed at the annual congress last week. Following the vote, Canoe Wales will be updating the branding and launching a new website in weeks to come. Please watch this space!

SPORTS IN WALES JOIN THE CALL FOR CLEAN WATERS

12 November 2024
Welsh Sailing, Canoe Wales and Welsh Triathlon sign up to Clean Water Sports Alliance  Three national governing bodies for sports in Wales have joined the Clean Water Sports Alliance to call for the protection of blue spaces for people and wildlife. RYA Cymru Wales, Canoe Wales and Welsh Triathlon announced their backing for the campaign at a Sustainability in Sport conference hosted by the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Newport (12 November 2024).
Show More
Share by: