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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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If your boat collides with something else, you don't want to be in the way.

Don't put yourself between the boat and a bank, tunnel or bridge, or you could end up with crushed fingers or legs - or even more serious body injuries.

What causes accidents?

• Using your hands or feet to stop a collision or fend off
• Not appreciating the momentum or the size of your boat
  
• Cruising too fast

Safety essentials:

• Keep your body out of the way
• Keep within the boat - that means not having your legs dangling over the side, your hands over the edge or your head out of the side hatch
  
• Keep off the roof when underway
• Don't fend off with your arms, legs or a boat pole — let the fender take the impact
• Make sure anyone in the front cockpit is on the look-out for possible collisions, especially when coming up to blind bends, junctions and bridges.