16th April 2025 | by Mark
Increase in River Swimmers, Inflatable and Personal Watercrafts
INFORMATION
With the onset of the sailing season, the volume of river swimmers, people using inflatable canoes, paddle boards and personal watercraft is expected to rise within the CHA District and in particular on the upper reaches of the River Crouch.
Regrettably, many taking up these sports for the first time are inexperienced, particularly in tidal waters and are not familiar with robust safety, seamanship, and good manners in not compromising other river users and staying close in toward the riverbanks.
The fact that you can enter the water from any part of an accessible sea wall and does not require more formal launching arrangements makes the policing of those taking part in these activities extremely difficult.
To ensure that the waters are a safe and enjoyable place for all leisure pursuits, we respectfully ask that all river users keep a good look out at all times, report any cases of near misses, poor behaviour and disregard of others to the Harbour Office providing as much detail as possible.
It is further recommended that if Clubs are not already doing so that they include a section within their event risk assessments to cover this matter.
Your cooperation is appreciated, thank you