Explosion in Kelston Lock
A cruiser that recently sunk in Kelston Lock on the Bristol Avon navigation after suffering an explosion, was recovered by River Canal Rescue last Friday (5 September). The owners wish to remain anonymous, but they are happy to share this account of what happened: On Monday, 25 August 2025, two co-owners of a narrowboat collected […]
Avoiding Lock Hang Ups and Sinkings
Lock safety is one of the most important aspects of canal boating. Each year, narrowboats and hire boats run into trouble in locks, leading to costly repairs-or even total sinkings. The most common culprit? The hidden lock cill. In this post, we’ll look at why accidents happen and share practical boating safety tips to help […]
How to winterise your narrowboat
While the thought of winterising your narrowboat may be some way off, our seasons are becoming more extreme, which means in addition to wetter summers, the winters are likely to get colder. There is a consensus that climate change will bring warmer winters, however according to a BBC report (Feb 25 – could the UK […]
Grounding advice from RCR
River Canal Rescue (RCR) is warning boaters about the risks of grounding after receiving 40+ calls in a six-week period, prompting a higher than usual number of call-outs. From 1 June to 11 July, rescue co-ordinators have been giving on the phone assistance to one/two people a day, and while many callers are then able […]
RCR boat story winner
A story about two boaters who sold their home for a life afloat and the mishaps they encountered during their first summer adventure has won River Canal Rescue’s national story-telling competition. Clair Peache won £700 towards a CRT licence after sharing her tale of engine issues, loose wires and fan belts, over-zealous rope untying and […]
A Day to Remember: Celebrating 25 Years of River Canal Rescue
Sunday 8 June 2025 marked a major milestone in the journey of River Canal Rescue (RCR): our 25th Anniversary Celebration. What began in 2000 as a vision to provide boaters with dependable rescue services has grown into a nationwide support network trusted by thousands across the UK’s inland waterways. To mark this incredible achievement, we […]
5 Common Canal Boat Breakdowns – and How to Avoid Them
If you’re a proud canal boat owner, you know there’s nothing quite like the tranquillity of cruising the waterways. But one unexpected breakdown can quickly turn a peaceful day on the water into a stressful ordeal. At River Canal Rescue (RCR), we’ve helped thousands of boaters out of tight spots, and we know exactly what […]
8 June summer party – all welcome
Only a few weeks to go until River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary celebration! The free family-friendly party is from 1-7pm on Sunday 8 June, at the Stafford Riverway Link Grounds, Baswich, Stafford, ST17 4FR. Near RCR HQ (br 101 on the Staffs &Worcs canal). Bringing together the local community, boaters, past and current RCR members, […]
