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To make using the canals of Britain safe and enjoyable we advice you to follow the guidance that we have for you in this section.

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On your travels on the canal system you will come across a large range of bridges. Most of these bridges are fixed structures which you just have to motor through, however you will find some bridges which need someone to operate them, getting them out of the boats way.

You should remember that many bridges on the UK waterways system have low headroom, so care should always be taken, ducking for example may be required. [Please note: Some bridges may have obstacles sticking down from their ceiling like nails, care Should be taken that you duck out of the way of any obstacles]

The weather conditions upstream have an effect on river water levels - a three foot headroom today might reduce to one foot tomorrow. Many bridges are narrow too, which means, if you are on a river, water tends to speed up as you get nearer. This can draw your boat towards the bridge, so stay alert. Many bridges on canals are narrow and sometimes on sharp bends - you should slow down and in some cases sound your horn to avoid a head on collision with another boat coming through the bridge hole.

Swing and lift bridges: Before you come to the bridge (swing or lift), land your crew with a windlass or key (if required). If it's a traffic bridge, check that the road's clear and close the warning barriers if there are any. Don't forget to open the barriers once the bridge is back in place.

For manual swing bridges unhook the stopper chain and give the bridge a good - but controlled - shove. You might need to slow the swing down to stop the bridge bouncing back across the canal. When the boat's through, push the bridge firmly into place and put the stopper chain back on.

For manual lift bridges pull the chain hanging from the balance arm, pulling it untill you can get hold of the beam and heave it down. [We suggest that you wear gloves when pulling the chain] When the bridge is fully open, sit an adult on the arm to keep it raised until the boat's clear. [If there are other boats waiting to come through the bridge it is normally expected of you to keep the bridge up for them] Gently lower the bridge by the chain, taking care not to let it drop.

Mechanised bridges are either opened using the windlass or are powered and need a BWB key (the key used to unlock water points etc.. on BW managed waterways). You will need to follow the simple instructions given to operate the bridge. With some swing and lift bridges, you can't move the traffic barriers until you've unlocked the control box. And you can't move the barriers back again until the bridge is back in its original position. Windlass-operated bridges need to be unlocked first, but you must make sure you lock them again before cars are allowed back over.

Safety tips:

• Don't try to take your boat through until the bridge is fully open and secure
• Take care with clearance under lift and fixed bridges - keep everyone off the roof and the front of the boat - stay in the centre of the channel
  
• Watch out for slippery surfaces when you're pushing swing bridges