River Safety

Walkers

• Keep to the paths - vegetation on the margins makes it difficult to distinguish between land and water. Walking boots only keep your feet dry!
• Close gates after you - keep the farm animals on the farm
• Keep dogs under control - if threatened by cattle, let your dog loose and they will loose interest. Dog vs Cow, dogs will always win
• Take your litter home - wild animals and farm stock are at risk from our waste
• Giant hogweed - Do Not Touch! It does not like people and takes a stinging revenge
• Beware of anglers - they have rights to be there with rod and line. "Get hooked on fishing" not hooked by a fisherman.

Swimming

• Swimming is not advised and in some areas illegal. Organised events e.g. triathlons always have safety cover

Boating

• Makes sure your craft is in good order - there is no AA recovery service on the river. If using engine, ensure there is sufficient fuel. There and back can be as far as 26 miles
• Personal safety - wear a suitable life jacket or buoyancy aid. if you end up in the water you will want to be on the surface and not under
• Loading - do not overload the boat
• Highway code - observe the speed limit of 5mph and slow down when passing unpowered craft. Keep to the right of the centre when looking in the direction of travel. Always pass port to port. When overtaking, pass outside and keep clear of the slower boat which should move in to the bank
• Collision regulations - power boats give way to sail and rowers. Sail gives way to rowers. Everybody gives way to the Teesside Princess. This vessel is limited by draft so has a high priority
• Barrage reach (betwwen the Barrage and Infinity Bridge) - Jet ski and water-skis are permitted to exceed the speed limits at some times of the day. Other users should keep to the North (Stockton) bank as this is the recognised navigation channel. Keep away from the Barrage boom.
• Communications - carry a mobile phone of VHF Marine radio. Barrage operations phone (07879421534), Barrage VHF (channel 37)