Take to the water

The Broads is a great place to take to the water for the first time in a variety of boats whether an open canoe, a sailing dinghy or a motor or sailing holiday cruiser, with details of the different options available below. But before setting off on your first voyage, there are a few things you need to know and think about. Please take care of yourself, your passengers, others on the waterways, the wildlife and the fragile world of the Broads.

Safety

• Always wear a buoyancy aid or life-jacket when on the water.
• For your safety never swim in the rivers or broads.
• Make sure you have suitable clothing and footwear, and check out the weather forecast so you are fully prepared.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you have returned.
• Boats can be unstable so take care when stepping into or out of your boat.
• You must be able to take control of your boat and operate it in a way which avoids injury to people, wildlife, the environment or property, and you must show reasonable consideration for others.
• Children under 8 years must not drive a motor boat. Children of 8 to 14 years may only drive a motor boat in some circumstances - please check the Navigation Byelaws for details.
• You must moor safely and follow regulations displayed at moorings. You must not disturb others by running your boat engine at moorings.
• You must not fish from a motor or sailing boat which is under way.
• Your boat must not give off smoke or fumes.
• You must not use weapons, e.g. air guns.

If you are involved in an incident where people are injured or there is damage to boats or property you must stop your boat and supply contact details to anyone involved. In serious cases you must also supply details to the Broads Authority via Broads Radio Control tel 01603 756056. Broads Authority navigation rangers enforce the byelaws and provide help and information to boaters. More information can be found at Boating Safety Tips page and in the Waterways Code leaflets, available from Broads information centres.

Licences

• All boats must have an annual or short visit licence and must have any Boat Safety Scheme certificate relevant to the boat.

Speed limits

• You must not go over the speed limits, and remember, if your boat is going with the tide your speed will be faster than indicated. As a guide, 4 mph is a fast walking pace. There are exemptions for water skiing, coaching boats or boatyard testing - please check the speed limit byelaws for details.

Canoeing

Whilst you can hire a canoe from a number of canoe hire centres around the Broads, we recommend you go on a simple beginner’s course that will give you the paddling basics and help make your first trip more enjoyable. So pop into one of the Broads information centres, or contact the British Canoe Union at http://www.bcu.org.uk/ for details of training courses and centres local to you. To get you started, please check the Canoeing Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and enjoyable and read the safety information supplied on the British Canoe Union's website.

Rowing

Taking to the water in a rowing dinghy is a simple way of starting your boating life, and rowing boats can be hired from a number of locations around the Broads. To get you started, please check the Rowing Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and more enjoyable.

Sailing and Windsurfing

Sailing is a peaceful and relaxing way to enjoy the Broads, and if you have never sailed before, we suggest going on a trip with a qualified skipper either on a traditional Norfolk wherry or other sailing craft.
The next step could be doing a sailing course recognised by the Royal Yacht Association, which will teach you to handle your boat in a safe and responsible manner, and give you an idea of the most suitable type of sailing boat for you. To get you started, please check the Sailing Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and enjoyable. An alternative to sailing is windsurfing, with the two main centres being at Hickling Broad and Oulton Broad. Once again a good first step could be doing a Royal Yacht Association recognised course.

Motor Boating

If you prefer your boating to be as easy as possible, then try motor boating, with a first start being hiring a day boat at numerous locations around the Broads. If you are thinking of then getting your own motor boat, a good first step is an approved Royal Yacht Association course. To get you started, please check the Day boat Cruising Code of Conduct leaflet, which offers simple tips and information to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

This information has been designed and published by the Broads Authority, this is just a copy.