Our locks are not climbing frames.
Lock gates must be kept shut, except when boats are entering or leaving them.
Water currents are unpredictable, especially when the gates are being controlled by untrained people.
These youngsters seem totally unaware of the dangers they are putting themselves into.
The passers-by are unsure how to react. They, too, have probably understimated the risks, and they might be wondering whether a lock keeper, a guardian or a police officer is going to intervene.
The time has surely come to install some educational notices at our locks.
(These photos were taken in 2013)