Stove Maintenance Tips
Keeping yourself Warm and Safe Stove Checks Winter is now upon us which means we’ll be using our stoves more (although they’ve probably been lit for a number of weeks!). While we should all know how to keep safe when using stoves, it doesn’t hurt to have a few reminders. Always follow the manufacturer’s or […]
Protect against winter downpours
Protect against winter downpours With meteorologists predicting a mild winter – causing the atmosphere to hold more water, leading to frequent and intense rainfall events – River Canal Rescue managing director, Stephanie Horton, is advising how to protect boats against sudden downpours and changes in water levels. “Mooring ropes should be loose enough to cope […]
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 […]
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 […]
