Broads rangers

Broads rangers are a familiar sight on the waters of the Broads and perform a valuable role.

12 full time rangers patrol five main areas of the Broads in the summer and 5 in winter assisted by seasonal rangers and volunteers. These areas are:

• Wroxham/River Ant
• Lower Bure/River Thurne
• River Yare/Whitlingham
• River Waveney
• Breydon Water

The Authority has eight patrol launches, a fast rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and two dories. The Rangers also have a number of 2 and 4 wheel drive vehicles.

As well as enforcing speed limits and making sure that boats navigate properly, rangers play a vital role in educating people about important navigation and land-based issues.

They assist people with general matters including safety procedures and tidal conditions, and advise on planning issues. They liaise with local emergency services and respond to issues concerning pollution and oil spills. They also deal with countryside matters, rights of way issues, and assist with education and events.

They undertake training in first aid, VHF radio, boat handling, oil spill response, countryside management and enforcement as well as practical skills such as chainsaw, brushcutter and knapsack spraying.

All enforcement is in accordance with the Broads Authority Navigation Enforcement Policy.

If you want to contact the Broads rangers, you can phone Broads Control on 01603 756056 or email Broads.control@broads-authority.gov.uk. Broads Control is manned between the hours of 9am and 6pm during summer, and 9am and 5pm during winter.

Broadsbeat

Working in partnership with Broads Authority Rangers, Norfolk Constabulary patrol the Broads from Easter until October each year.

The Broadsbeat team, who are all trained in boat handling and first aid, aim to offer high visibility policing, reassurance and on-the-spot assistance to both local people and visitors to the county as well as dealing with a variety of anti-social & criminal activities and assisting the Broads Authority in enforcing local by-laws.

Broadsbeat officers can be contacted to help in a range of incidents including missing people, potential drowning, searches, firearms deployments, anti-social behaviour and crimes. They are also available to offer crime prevention advice and attend many of the counties boat jumbles, regattas, races and marine related festivals.

To contact the team email broadsbeat@norfolk.pnn.police.uk