British Waterways cares for Britain's historic canals and rivers

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A family playing in the snow by a waterway

Children and Young People

Britain's inland waterways are a unique educational resource and can stimulate enormous curiosity and interest.

Along with The Waterways Trust and the Inland Waterways Association, we have set up a partnership called WOW (Wild Over Waterways), as a great way for children to discover the waterways, their history, and the fun and fascination they offer today. By visiting the WOW website, children can:

There are lots of games to play, information for school projects and waterway events.

For teachers and group leaders, the site contains numerous teaching resources, activity and information packs, and safety resources.

If you’re aged 16-25 and want to get more involved with the waterways, visit the Waterways Action Squad website for more information about our volunteering opportunities for young people.

Safety
Britain's inland waterways offer exciting opportunities for fieldwork with easy access along the towpaths. However, where there is water there will always be risks.

We advise that anyone leading groups of children on visits to the inland waterways ensures that children are familiar with the SAFE (Stay Away From the Edge) message by completing an activity from the RoSPA endorsed Waterside Safety resource.

Click here for our Canal Visit Checklists. These will help you understand the risks and plan a safe and rewarding day out.

For more information about all aspects of UK waterways, visit waterscape.com.

Canal Visit Checklists

Before you set out, follow our seven simple steps and make your day out by the canal a safe day out.

Contact your local British Waterways office

Please contact your local Waterway Office before you visit. Local staff will be able to advise you on suitable locations to take your group.

This advice should include any likelihood of:

  • flooding
  • contaminated water
  • engineering works, or other reasons it would be unsafe for children to visit at that time

Carry out a pre-visit to the canal

Please find time for a pre-visit to the canal. This will ensure you are able to undertake a risk assesment. It also enables you to work out the logistics of moving your group safely and finding places where the whole group can stop.

Carry out a simple risk assessment with young people and prepare your own Canal Safety Code

Identify potential hazards and safety measures to deal with them. Raise young people's awareness of the risks and their responsibilities. Teach respect for water, rather than fear.

Plan group logistics

We recommend that you check with your head teacher and/or your local authority on local rules for child:adult ratios.

When recruiting helpers/parents, try to arrange for people who are willing to supervise and/or lead an activity, as well as being someone the children already know.

Brief helpers on roles, safety and activities

Allocate clear roles to each of the helpers, make sure that everyone is briefed before the visit. You should have a qualified first-aider with you, trained to deal with the appropriate age group.

Obtain parental consent and brief parents on trip requirements

Complete normal school/group procedures for gaining parental consent. Ask parents/guardians to ensure that cuts are covered with waterproof plasters. Also ensure young people have appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather.

Check the weather forecast

You can get the latest weather picture from BBC online. Postpone the visit if necessary, remembering to contact all the relevant people.

Equipment Checklist
We recommend that you take the following items in a rucksack with you for the group.

First Aid Kit

This should include distilled water for washing cuts and a supply of hypoallergenic waterproof dressings.

List of young people with particular allergies, or medical conditions

You should ensure that all helpers are fully briefed on who these individuals are and what their condition is.

Mobile phone

Don't forget to check that your mobile phone has coverage available where you are going.

List of useful phone numbers

Remember to include numbers for the local hospital and your local Waterway Office.

Spare warm/ dry clothing

It might also be useful to bring along a towel, a blanket and a spare woolly hat.

A throw line

 

A survival bag