THIS SUMMER'S HEATWAVES have provided yet another opportunity for London’s itinerant boating community to help keep locals—and tourists—safe.
Boaters have come together to provide water to towpath users sweltering in the heatwave.
Provide cool drinking water
People who live on boats currently moored in Hackney have taken it upon themselves to provide cool drinking water to parched passers-by on the Regent's Canal towpath.
Ella, an itinerant boater who organised the community action, explained:
"In the last heatwave, we found that some people, often sweaty and thirsty from the extreme heat, would spontaneously ask boaters for a glass of water. A few of us from the boating community thought, 'Let's help more people this heatwave.' So we put out a table and provided water to those who need it in the heat.”
Sarah, a helper on the day, added:
"It has been great that we are helping so many people affected by the heat with such a simple act of giving out water. As boaters we’re custodians of the waterways, so it’s nice for our community to be able to offer something back to other towpath users.”
Not an isolated action
This isn't an isolated action; many boaters over the years have provided a helping hand when needed.
Jan Gazda, who is currently moored in Denham on the Grand Union Canal, told:
"It's nice to hear others are giving out water to towpath users. As a dog owner, I have been putting out a dog water bowl for thirsty dogs that go past the boat. I also find myself helping people that ask to borrow a bike pump and directions, etc. Individually, sometimes we forget how much people help each other.”
National Bargee Travellers Association deputy chair Marcus Trower told:
"The fact that our community lives on the publicly accessible towpath means we are quite often there to help people out along the towpath. We should be proud of the community that helps people who ask, from lending tools to cyclists, providing support to people who feel unsafe, and even pulling people out of the canal who've accidentally fallen in.
"The travelling boater way of life is something worth protecting.”
With a dearth of water taps in London, and very little shade along the canals, it’s not uncommon for the occasional walker—or their dog—to be caught out by the sudden heat. If you are out and about during the heatwave there are other ways to stay safe from the extreme weather.
With the National Bargee Travellers Association suggesting how to beat the heat in London:
Good advice
√ Download water refill apps
√ No fountain in sight and not passing a kindly boater? Download the refill app and look for a water refill spot on the map. Most mainline stations have water fountains, and London's cafés and pubs are usually happy to top up your bottle.
√ Never jump into unknown water
London's waterways from the Thames to Regent’s Canal may look inviting on a scorching hot day – resist! Beyond the risk of a stomach bug – or worse – there are hidden hazards you really don't want to discover under the surface. Stick to proper, designated bathing spots – Hampstead Heath's swimming ponds are a good London option.
√ Check out Shadeapp
Some corners of London are leafier than others, which is where Shadeapp earns its place on your home screen. Pop in where and when you're headed to scope out shady routes and spots for the middle of the day. The Royal Parks – Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Green Park – are the obvious winners, though even within them some paths are far better shaded than others.
√ Know the symptoms of heatstroke
Best avoided altogether, but heat can catch you out even indoors, away from direct sun. Keep an eye out for fatigue, feeling faint, headache, muscle cramps, feeling sick, intense thirst, heavy sweating, or a rash. If you're still not feeling right after 30 minutes of cooling down and rehydrating, it's worth seeking medical care — London's pharmacies and walk-in centres are a good first stop.
√ Protect yourself from the heat
As well as a refillable water bottle, it’s wise to carry some electrolyte sachets, a light umbrella to double as a parasol, a hat (bonus points if you can dunk it under a fountain), high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a fan. High-tech cooling towels are great if you can grab one before they sell out - if not a lightweight linen scarf can be used for the same effect.
√ For readers wanting to know more about itinerant boaters and the campaigns and community actions they are taking, please visit the NBTA’s website.