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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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Everyone goes aground once in a while [ even our perfect webmaster ;-) ] -> it's not a big deal. Don't try to force your way over the obstacle which has made you run aground or you'll just get yourself even more stuck than you were.

A good example of a bank being eroded

Instead, go into reverse gear to back away into deeper water. If you're firmly stuck - or if the water's too shallow for the propeller - use your crew's weight to tilt the boat by moving them to the side of the boat that's still floating.

Now you can use the barge pole to push off (most boats have two) -> remember though you need to push against something solid like a bank or a canal bed, do not put the pole straight down as if it were a lever as the pole may snap or you may fall in (or both)

Safety tips:

• Always be aware of what’s happening around you - on the boat, in the water and on the banks.
• Don’t let passengers stand or sit in the way of the tiller if it has to .
  
• Watch out for shallow water where the boats have eroded away the bank (normally on the non-towpath side). This makes the canal look much wider than it's planned and original course was.
  
• Make sure that your barge poles are in good, working condition and are easy to grab if required.