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RECENT reports of boaters having to be rescued from swollen rivers because they ignored flood warnings make me angry, writes Tony Haynes.
I wonder whether it is time that new boat owners should be made to pass a test on boat handling and waterway safety knowledge before being allowed out on rivers at all. Perhaps a compulsory rivers navigation licence is called for.
Raging torrent
Even the mildest of rivers in the summertime can turn into a raging torrent in the winter. Responsible hire companies would not allow their customers out in such conditions, but some ignorant and unskilled boat owners don't seem to know any better.
 The sheer power and ferocity of a river in flood has to be seen to be believed. Even the Wey in Surrey, which is usually quite docile in season, can be highly dangerous in flood. After a weekend of heavy rain, the sluice next to Bowers Mill has to be fully opened. What is normally a tranquil lock cut above Bowers Lock transforms into a wide, deep stream flowing at some 10- to 12 mph. This is faster than most narrowboats can move under their own power.
 The surplus of water has to go somewhere. Near Guildford, it flows on to the surrounding flood plains. Fields that are good grazing land for cattle in the summer are transformed into beautiful new lakes, but they have a sting. The owner of nearby Burpham Court Farm Park, where children could meet rare breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas and llamas, found his land flooded regularly. He tried to sue the National Trust for allowing it to happen, but the land has been designated as a flood plain for centuries. He lost the case and was faced with crippling costs. Tragically, he committed suicide. The farm stands empty, a sad monument to his efforts, but the council now want to develop the land...for housing? Would you want to live in this field?
 My boat is currently moored on an island by a weir and lock cottage on the Yorkshire Derwent. It is a wonderfully peaceful place in summer. The water is clear. Fish and rare wading birds abound. There are otters on the island. An ancient stone bridge and a salmon ladder are nearby. Normally there is some six foot of fall in the lock.
Awoke to silence
Last Autumn I was lulled to sleep by the sounds of the water rippling over the weir...and heavy rain. I awoke next morning to silence. The rain had stopped. So had the weir. I investigated.
 The reason for the eerie quietness? There was no waterfall. During the night the river below the lock had risen several feet. It had levelled off across the weir. The salmon didn't need to climb their ladder. It was a stark reminder of what rivers can do.
 Fortunately I was securely moored above the lock where the water had only risen a foot or so. I had no intention of moving even though the sun shone through. I'm not that foolish, but apparently, according to the news reports, some boaters are that daft. They risk incurring heavy rescue costs and even putting the lives of their rescuers in danger.
Lets be sensible. If the authorities state that a river is closed to navigation, they have good reason, and know what they are talking about. Stay put. Double up on the mooring lines, and put the kettle on. |
