The high flows being experienced on many waterways are significantly faster and creating more turbulence than normal.  Canoe England strongly advises canoeists to recognise the  potential dangers from these extraordinary conditions where:

•     Sluices and weirs are at full capacity

•     Underwater obstructions can be unseen,

•     Many landing stages and towpaths are over topped and inaccessible

•     There is the build-up of debris on structures.

•     The normal courses of rivers and canals are in many case difficult to determine

•     There may be fallen and over hanging trees

•     Clearance under bridges (air draft) are significantly reduced

•     Water quality may be poor

It is the responsibility of  individuals to ensure that their canoeing activities are risk assessed and undertaken safely.

Many river and canal Navigation Authorities have issued safety warning notices for high flows and information is posted on their web sites. For further information concerning river levels go to
 

Avon Navigation Trust (Warwickshire)
www.avonnavigationtrust.org/
 
Basingstoke Canal Authority
www.basingstoke-canal.co.uk/
 
Broads Authority                            
http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/ Rivers Ant, Bure, Chet, Thurne,,Waveney, Wensum & Yare,  

Canal and River Trust
http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/
 
Chelmer & Blackwater Canal
http://www.waterways.org.uk/essex_waterways/essex_waterways

Cotswold Canals – Stroudwater Canal and Thames &Severn Canal
www.cotswoldcanals.com
 
Environment Agency                     
www.environment-agency.gov.uk and www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/boating/107625.aspx for links to further information on Agency waterways.
http://www.visitthames.co.uk/  – River Thames River Conditions

Grand Western Canal (Tiverton)
http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/environment/natural_environment/country_parks/grand_western_canal.htm
                                                  
Wey and Godalming Navigations
www.riverweyconditionsnt.wordpress.com or telephone 01932 843106

Wilts and Berks Canal Trust
www.wbct.org.uk/

For waterways and navigations  managed by other authorities and organisations visit www.waterscape.com that includes a mapping facility.
NB. Waters where the Canoe England licensing arrangement applies are listed under ‘Rivers covered by licence’

Other information
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/riverlevels online telemetry service for river and sea levels.

In addition tidal waters are also affected and the Port of London Authority have  introduced a flag warning system of river conditions for paddlers and rowers that is posted at http://www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/. as shown below and also detailed by PLA Notice to Mariners U4 of 14 published 10 February 2014
 
 
With each flag warning, the following advice will be issued, which all recreational craft users should consider carefully before venturing onto the tidal Thames:

RED		Extreme Caution – EBB TIDE Very Strong Fluvial Flows   Fluvial flows are very strong. Conditions are difficult and dangerous. All man-powered vessels are advised not to go afloat on the ebb tide.
YELLOW		Caution – EBB TIDE Strong Fluvial Flows   All river users of man-powered vessels should navigate with extreme caution and consider whether it is safe for them to go afloat on the ebb tide.       PLA advise man-powered vessels – in particular schools, novices, junior crews – or those that do not usually use the tidal Thames not to go afloat on the ebb tide.
GREEN		Average Fluvial Flows   All river users to navigate with caution and maintain a proper look out.

 

In addition there will be a fourth level for all river users to note; when there are low fluvial flows:

 

BLACK

Caution – Low Fluvial Flows   Tidal flow is lower than usual. River users should expect lower than predicted tides especially around low water.