Another canoe incident

Published: Friday, 26 May 2017

WE HAD another incident involving canoeists at Platt Lane Bridge where a new low towpath has been constructed, possibly to make launching a canoe easier, writes Graham Booth.

There was a woman with a very small child on her lap in a canoe coming towards us in the canal. As we approached, Evelyn slowed down and moved to the right so that the canoe had plenty of room to pass 'port to port'. She even pointed down the port side of our boat to indicate what was required.

Risked being crushed

Unfortunately, the woman had other ideas and made a dash for the bank, risking being crushed between the boat and the bank. Evelyn could not see her but put the engine into full reverse and thankfully avoided a collision.

When the woman eventually re-appeared, Evelyn asked her if she had any ideas about the rules for boats passing one another to which she had no sensible reply.

Evelyn's cautious approach and swift avoiding action averted what could have been a serious accident. We can only hope that all users of this busy canal will be as quick thinking and ready to act.