Locks
| Locks are wonderful places to meet
people and to be considerate to others. This is even truer
in wide locks. In being considerate to other boaters there is often an opportunity to be considerate to the environment by saving precious water. When approaching a lock, first of all consider whether there is a queue. It is sometimes difficult to see where overnight mooring ends and the queue for the lock begins. Ask anyone on the towing path as you pass or send a crew member to find out. Before operating a lock, check if there is a lock keeper in charge and if so, always follow his/her instructions. If not then check for anyone coming the other direction and judge if the lock is set more in their favour. If it is 50-50 then be a Considerate Boater and turn it to their advantage. If you find yourself in a queue then get the crew to go and OFFER help to other boaters. Not everyone will want your help so don't be offended if they ask you not to get involved, (although help with opening a heavy gate is never refused). Your help will be appreciated by novices and it will speed up your own progress in the end. Remember to respect the crew of the other boat and the way they operate locks and only do as they tell you since it is their boat that will be affected by your actions. If you have a large crew then consider sending someone ahead to set the locks for you or those ahead of you. Setting locks in the right way can save water. Leave room for other boaters on the lock mooring or even offer to let them breast up while you both wait. If you come across a solo boater then offer to help. Once again it will help them and help your progress in the long run. There are lots of opportunities to show due consideration to others at locks by allowing the crew to get back on board and finishing the lock off for them, (especially at the last lock in a flight). Give extra consideration when sharing a wide lock with a more fragile boat such as a fibreglass cruiser. |
 
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