It’s time to crack out your best rain dance and hope the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs start to fill back up. There are a few extra considerations for paddlers when it comes the distinct lack of water at the minute, from environmental impact, less water to play on, and potential health side effects.

It’s worth being conscious of all these additional factors if you do head out for a paddle. So here is a breakdown of the things to remember when paddling in low water levels, and how you can do your best to avoid any risks.

Environmental Issues

1. Do not paddle on waterways which are too shallow and where you may come into contact with the river or lake bed. This may have the potential impact of disturbing wildlife and their habitats or attract allegations of disturbance.
2. Low water can expose gravel beds that provide vital spawning grounds to fish. Make sure you avoid them, sticking to the deeper channels. Disturbing them can be considered a criminal offence.
3. Use water sparingly when washing down your equipment. It’s still important to follow Check, Clean, Dry; our biosecurity guidance which helps stop the spread of invasive non native species. If a hosepipe ban is introduced then you are still allowed to use a hosepipe for biosecurity and health & safety measures, but not in access (under the Water Use [Temporary Bans] Order 2010.)
4.  Report incidents, pollution and damage to the environment to the relevant authorities:
   • Environment Agency for pollution and fish deaths 0800 80 70 60
   • The Canal and River Trust 01923 201120 (Out of hours 0800 47 999 47)
   • RSPCA for wildlife and animals in distress 0990 55 59 99 (24 hours)

Health Impacts

1. Low flows means there is less water to dilute effluent/ run off from surrounding land and sewage treatment works. Be aware lower levels of water quality can present a potential health hazard.
2. Don’t drink from the water you’re paddling on. Natural run off is also more concentrated in lower water levels, so the risk of Weils and Leptospirosis is higher.
3. Be aware of toxic blue green algae which may be more common on our waterways at times of low water flow/quantity.
4. Take a good bath or shower as soon as you can once you’ve been on the water 
5. Cover any cuts properly before paddling – you don’t want the river or canal water getting into it
6. Make sure you wash your hands properly, or use antibacterial spray before eating anything 

The NHS publish the following guidance click here to view 

If you feel ill after paddling you should tell your doctor as soon as possible and let them know where and when you have been on the water.

Practical Paddling Considerations

1.  If you encounter shallower areas, you’ll need to ‘read the water’. Seek out a deeper channel within the waterway as your route forward. Or if it’s too shallow it may be time to turn back or portage.
2. Take special care when getting on and off a paddleboard. With less water comes an increased risk of injury. Check out a few extra tips for Paddleboarding in shallow water here. 
3. Remember the banks and canal sides will be a lot further from the water than usual. Watch out for a bigger drop when getting in/out or on/off your craft. 
4. Lower water also makes rocks and other obstacles that are usually underwater more present. Be vigilant. Low waters can completely change the waterscape of a route that you’re used to. There may be an increased risk of fins, leashes, paddles, and kayaks snagging.

Hopefully rain is on the horizon, but it will take a while for our waterways to return to normal levels. So, while you are out enjoying the small amount of water we have, make sure you keep our top tips in mind to help keep you and your environment safe.

Did you know? Paddle UK members can log into your Members Dashboard to access a personalised overview of water levels in your area. It’s the perfect pre paddle tool, with info on local weather and places to paddle too. Not a member? Join today here.

You can also add a public note onto our interactive Paddle Points map to sign post emerging hazards to support the safety of other paddlers. Visit Paddle Points here.