Hazards on the Locks

Our locks needs to be respected. They are two-hundred year old structures that can still serve their original purpose.

It is very tempting to use them as swimming pools, climbing frames, barbecue sites or for passive recreation; but this can be extremely dangerous when the locks are in operation. Clearly the Canal and River Trust has insufficient resources to supervise all the locks, so we need to educate everybody not to abuse the locks. We could start with some signage, to remind the general public that the lock structures are reserved for boaters and that special skills and understandings are required to operate or walk on them.

A couple of sun worshippers are relaxing on the lock and it looks like they are using the balance beam as a headrest. Have they anticipated what might happen if a boat nudges the left gate on entering this empty lock?

City Road Lock seems like the perfect location for an outdoor feast. But surely this makes it tricky for boaters to operate the paddle gear and to get a good leverage on the balance beam if the table cloth merges with the foot grips. The diners have an opportunity to show their appreciation for the canal by offering to help. Perhaps they are worried that physical exercise might cause them indigestion?

Riding on the lock gate seems relatively safe, because the railings serve as a harness; but what happens when a boater needs to cross to the other side?

A picnic blanket has just been laid flat at City Road Lock. But not for long, because it is right in the way of the gate that is about to close. Meanwhile, at Hawley Lock a boater operating a paddle gear provides free entertainment to the pizza customers.

These guys can expect a sore head if they lose concentration. They are sitting in the path of the balance beam. Meanwhile, visitors at Kentish Town Lock are offering their legs as fenders to passing boats. They need to be confident that they are not going to slip off the edge, because their swimming ability is irrelevant if they fall in while the water is gushing into the lock.

At City Road Lock a sunbather has claimed one of the bollards. Has he anticipated that a wet rope might land on his face? Meanwhile another user is absorbed in a book, only a few inches from the balance beam.

There is a serious litter problem at Acton's Lock. Who is responsible for emptying this bin on the lock? The council or the navigation authority? Actually, nobody is responsible, because this is a totally irresponsible place to position a bin. The lock appears to have undergone a change of use and has become a venue for cheese and wine parties.