HEATWAVE ALERT ⚠️
Here we republish advice for boaters about the heatwave forecast for this week from Floaty Boat – floatyboat.org – and from Canal & River Trust (CRT).
This is the advice from Floaty Boat:
From today (23rd June) until Friday (26th June) we are going to experience extreme temperatures.
The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a rare red warning to health for Wednesday and Thursday. These warnings mean there is a risk to life even for healthy people.
Tips to stay cool:
Boats can get much hotter than houses. If you can, moor in the shade.
Keep windows and hatches open, even at night, and keep curtains drawn or use other means to block the sun from heating the glass and getting into the boat.
Drink plenty of water.
Pouring buckets of water from the canal on your roof will evaporate and cool the boat down inside.
Get outside – if the boat becomes unbearable it will be cooler outside in the shade.
Swimming – ALWAYS remain vigilant near open water and if you are not a confident swimmer do not enter the water. lots of the canal runs near the River Avon. A dip in the river can be a great way to cool down but try not to get water in your mouth, eyes, or open wounds. Wash afterwards as sewage is often pumped into the river (especially after heavy rain like last night). You can check on this site which places are safe and where/when sewage is being released. https://www.sewagemap.co.uk/
We know a drink is nice in the sun but consuming a lot of alcohol in this heat can vastly increase chances of heatstroke. Please remember this is not normal summer heat – this red alert means there is a threat to life. If yer gonna drink try and stay outside in the shade, drink plenty of water, make sure you don’t fall asleep in the sun and look after your pals.
Pets – A boat can get very hot in the sun like a vehicle. If your dog is panting get them out in the shade. If you can, work from home to make sure your pets stay cool, have plenty of water and can go outside. If you have to work, try and find a dog sitter. Cats are also at risk of heat stroke. If your pet is panting and showing signs of heat stroke please contact a vet immediately.
Fire risk – The ground and plants are so dry that it does not take much for them to catch. The fire service have asked people to avoid BBQs and bonfires particularly in green areas. Be extra careful on your boat, making sure you have clear access to fire extinguishers and clear exits (not having things piled up in front of doors, making sure doors aren’t padlocked from the outside). Check your smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors are working (contact us if you need a fire safety pack).
Please check on your neighbours especially if you are moored near someone with a health condition or who you know may be elderly or vulnerable or may struggle to access water. If you can, check in and see if they are coping ok.
If you or someone you know on the Kennet and Avon Canal needs extra support, contact Alongside (formerly Julian House) at grtb@alongsidecharity.org.uk or Floaty Boat – floatyboatfund@gmail.com
Find NHS advice on heat stroke here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/ please don’t ignore symptoms if you or someone else appears to be suffering and call 111, or if it’s an emergency call 999.
As humidity levels are predicted to remain high, our bodies cannot sweat as much and therefore retain more heat, raising body temperature. This is when heat stress and heatstroke can become more of an issue across the population, but especially among the more vulnerable.
Enjoy the sunshine and make sure to take care of each other. ☀️
This is from CRT:
Red weather warning across canals:
With temperatures forecast to hit 38-40 degrees across parts of the country on Wednesday and Thursday 24th and 25th June, the Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat. We’re asking everyone on the water to take extra care and help protect yourselves, others and the canal network.
Stay safe in the heat: Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible, take regular breaks, and stay in the shade wherever you can.
Conserve water: Please share locks if you’re able and use water carefully, shutting lock gates and paddles after use, to help preserve water across the network. This is more important than ever in prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. If you see that water levels are looking unusually low, please let us know. Our teams actively manage water levels and can carefully refill low pounds, making sure moored boats on other parts of the canal stay safe.
Allow extra time: Our response to callouts may be slower than usual, as extreme heat can place additional strain on our vehicles and operational craft. If there is a danger to life, please call 999 immediately.
Hot weather can create extra challenges for boating and water supply. Thank you for your support in helping us keep the canals, and everyone on them, safe.
Stay safe,
Canal & River Trust