Supporting the Boating Community
The Lancaster Canal Boaters Association is dedicated to supporting boaters by sharing expert advice, welfare resources, and fostering a friendly community united by a passion for canal life.
Our aims are to promote the welfare and wellbeing of boaters who live at least 50% of their time onboard, using the Lancaster Canal and further promote the community to the wider community of the Lancaster area.
Where appropriate, we represent the views of boaters on our canal to the Canal and River Trust and where we can, manage facilities for boaters.
Why now?
More and more people are turning to alternative living accomodation as the cost of living forces people away from the housing market. Over the last few years there has been an influx of new boaters mostly due to the perceived reduced living costs. Often though, this is where problems arise as new boaters are unaware of the challenges of liveaboard live and off grid living. It’s not all like it appears on Narrow Escapes!
The Lancaster Canal is no exception. There has been a rise of abandoned boats, once dwellers realise the unexcepted costs of living aboard. A number of boats are often left moored in the same spot for longer than the allowed 14 days duration, due to engine issues, illness or a lack of knowledge about navigation requirements.
This is where we come in. Through education and awareness campaigns we hope to enlighten the community and get us all working together to help this beautiful canal contniue to provide us with a safe, functioning environment where we all can live harmoniously.
Strength in Community
In November 2025 our group was successful in an application to the Lancaster Community Fund. The money recieved from this fund is enough to get us started for the first 6 months and set up infastructure (such as this website) and plan some launch events to help bring the community together. We will continue to raise funds through our fundraising efforts to help improve the services that we can offer.
By joining us, you will help us unite the community and demostrate that there is a need for support services for boaters. By increasing our member base we will be able to apply for more funds to run services, offer fuel support and other services which are vital to sustaining a better way of life on the water.
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Step One: Join Our Community
Begin by signing up as a member, gaining access to helpful advice and support tailored to Lancaster Canal life.
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Step Two: Access Resources
Explore our blog and assistance form to find practical tips and request help for any boating challenges you face.
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Step Three: Give Back
After putting the guidance into action, you could choose to give back by volunteering to help others. It’s not essential but we believe in the pay it forward philosphy.
We Believe….
We believe that the Lancaster Canal has the potential to foster a more united community. As new boaters arrive and more established boaters start spending more time living aboard, communities change.
We believe that through education and support our community can help each other through volunteering to help others aboard and make use of support services offered by the LCBA when they are in need.
We believe that we can sustain a community where shared values are important and can support a sense of shared ownership in our canal leading to a better way of life on the water.
Meet the Team at the LCBA
Founded in 2025. Meet the founding dedicated volunteers who support and enrich our boating community.
Michelle Riley
Chair
Liveaboard boater for 3 years and Narrowboat owner on a permanent marina mooring.
Julie Lewis
Treasurer
Narrowboat owner and boater of 15 years with a background in accounting and BSS administration.
Julie Glaister
Committee Member
Narrowboat owner and boater of 19 years with 18 years as a continuous cruiser.
John Hewson
Secretary
Liveaboard boater for 5 years and exbroads cruiser owner with a CRT home mooring.
Ian Lewis
Committee Member
Boat Safety Examiner, boater for 15 years and liveaboard boater of 6 years.
Help support our community group by donating to the LCBA
The LCBA is supported by:
Plan Your Journey on the Lancaster Canal
Join our community to access expert advice, welfare support, and helpful resources tailored for Lancaster Canal boaters. Sign up today to stay informed and connected.
Support and Guidance for Lancaster Canal Boaters
Hear from our dedicated and founding commitee members who all support the work of the LCBA
“The Lancaster Canal Boaters Association can provide invaluable advice that will make your canal life safer and more enjoyable.”
Ian Lewis
Commitee Member and Boater Safety Examiner
“Our works will help to educate new boaters so they can integrate into the community”
Julie G.
Commitee Member
“Professional support and timely advice will help members navigate the challenges of canal boating effectively.”
Helen Coates
Commitee Member
“The resources and friendly help available here allows us to give back to our wonderful community.”
Jenny
Committe Member