BOATERS are being urged to get cruising to the farthest parts of the UK waterway network as part of a challenge to keep waterways open.
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Silver Propeller Challenge aims to get cruisers out to some of the least-visited places on the canal and river network.
The IWA believes by visiting some of the quieter spots, boaters will help keep all waterways alive and looking pristine.
An IWA spokesman said: “Most parts of our waterways are vibrant, busy places enjoyed by millions of people every year but there are still many locations where you would be lucky to see even one boat in a week, let alone in a day. If there are no boats, whole sections of waterways will lose their charm and appeal for everyone. This challenge aims to encourage our members and others to visit and use those places that aren’t reached as often as others.”
To take part in the challenge, boaters need to visit 20 different places on the IWA list. The places fall into three categories:
• Cruise it or lose it – these are places on waterways which see very few visiting boats and are located in many instances at the end of a waterway.
• Knocking on the door – these locations are where navigable waterways meet restoration works, proposed link projects and currently unnavigable sections.
• More please – or maybe moor please – these places are on restored sections of canals.
Boaters simply have to visit 20 different places, take a photo of themselves with their boat and, once they have all the pictures, submit them on the IWA website. Boaters can use photos taken since 2018, as long as they are identifiable. Each participant will get a silver plaque.
To find out more about the challenge, please visit: www.waterways.org.uk/waterways/using-the-waterways/silver-propeller-challenge
