The Canal & River Trust has warned that continued low water levels around Tewitfield may lead to a temporary closure of the Lancaster Canal to navigation.

This would not be a permanent closure. Any restriction would be introduced as a short-term measure to protect the canal, conserve water and prevent boats from becoming stranded while water levels remain unusually low.

Despite repairs to known leaks and further investigations, water levels have not yet improved. Persistent dry weather has also reduced many of the natural inflows that help supply the canal. The Canal & River Trust is seeking emergency abstraction consent and will review the situation again on Monday 27 July, after assessing the impact of any weekend rainfall.

The Lancaster Canal Boaters Association is advising boaters not to panic, but to prepare now while movement is still possible.

Boaters are advised to:

• Empty toilet and waste tanks.
• Fill drinking-water and fuel tanks.
• Stock up on food, medication and other essential supplies.
• Charge batteries and check alternative power arrangements.
• Consider moving closer to services or returning to a permanent mooring.
• Avoid unnecessary journeys or activities that could contribute to further water loss.
• Keep ropes, mooring pins and boarding points secure as water levels change.
• Check CRT notices regularly and avoid attempting to navigate any section that has been formally closed.

CRT facilities are available at:

• Cadley, Bridge 12: Waterpoint, Elsan. Refuse CLOSED.
• Bilsborrow, Bridges 44–45: Waterpoint, Elsan and refuse disposal.
• Moss Lane, Bridge 63: Waterpoint, Elsan and refuse disposal.
• Ratcliffee Wharf, Bridge 75: Waterpoint.
• Galgate: waterpoint next to Lock Keepers Cottage and ELSAN, pump-out & Waterpoint at the Marina services.
• Lancaster, bridge 98: Waterpoint, Elsan, pump-out and refuse disposal.
• Tewitfield, Bridge 138: Waterpoint, Elsan, pump-out and refuse disposal.

These locations may become busy, so boaters should be patient, avoid blocking access and allow everyone sufficient time to use the facilities safely.

Boaters helping other boaters

The boating community is often at its strongest when people quietly look out for one another. Boaters can help by checking on neighbouring boats, particularly where someone is elderly, disabled, isolated, unwell or may not have received CRT’s notice.

Where it is safe and practical, boaters could:

• Share information about closures, water levels and available facilities.
• Offer lifts to shops, pharmacies, fuel suppliers or public transport.
• Collect essential supplies for someone who cannot easily leave their boat.
• Help move water, fuel or shopping along the towpath.
• Assist with ropes and mooring adjustments as water levels change.
• Share phone charging or other basic facilities where appropriate.
• Report boats that appear to be grounded, listing dangerously or in immediate difficulty.
• Keep towpaths, waterpoints and service areas clear for those who need access.

Nobody should attempt to move another person’s boat, handle fuel or undertake physical work unless they are confident that they can do so safely and have the owner’s permission. Where possible do NOT go into an unknown boat alone and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.

How the wider Lancaster community can help

People living near the canal can also play an important role. A temporary navigation closure may leave some boaters further away from shops, waterpoints, transport links and other essential services than usual.

Local residents, businesses and community organisations can help by:

• Offering lifts or transport to shops, pharmacies and medical appointments.
• Collecting shopping, drinking water, medication or other essential supplies.
• Allowing boaters to charge a phone in an emergency.
• Sharing accurate CRT and LCBA updates through community groups.
• Keeping access roads, towpaths and service points clear.
• Reporting serious concerns about a person’s welfare rather than assuming somebody else will help.
• Treating boaters with patience and understanding, remembering that a boat is someone’s home, not simply a leisure craft.

Anyone offering assistance should respect people’s privacy and ask what help is needed rather than making assumptions.

Help should always be voluntary, SAFE and coordinated wherever possible. If visiting a location or person you don’t know, in order to offer help, make sure someone knows where you are and DO NOT go alone.

Where to get Help

Anyone who is unable to move their boat, is stranded without access to facilities or has an urgent welfare need should contact the Canal & River Trust North West Customer Support Team on 0303 040 4040.

The LCBA may also be able to assist boaters who become stuck, particularly where help is needed with transport, collecting essential supplies or accessing food, water, fuel or medication. Please contact the association as early as possible so that available volunteers can be coordinated.

Please check on neighbouring boaters, particularly anyone who is elderly, disabled, isolated or may not have received the notice. Further information will be shared when Canal & River Trust issues its next update on Monday 27 July.

The LCBA will continue to share updates from CRT. Any closure announced because of the current water shortage should be understood as a temporary precaution, with navigation expected to reopen when water levels recover and it is safe to do so.

The LCBA welcomes the notice issued by the Canal & River Trust, as a attempt to try to prepare boaters for the worse case scenario. This is a huge improvement on previous low water notices where no advance warning was given. Today’s notice signals a change in how boaters are informed about potential issues that could severely impact their home along the Lancaster Canal.