Boating during high waters, floods and adverse weather

Many people appreciate the appeal of boating on the Broads during late autumn, winter and early spring. The quieter waters and winter sunshine can be spectacular.

Unfortunately, sea level rise along with increased and prolonged rainfall mean that that high water levels are increasingly common, especially during the winter. High water levels cause additional challenges for boaters and particular care is needed because of increased water flow and overtopping of moorings and riverbanks causing flooding. Mooring can be particularly difficult with the tops of mooring locations obscured by water and there is a greater chance of your boat becoming trapped or snagged on moorings as the water levels rise and fall.

High water events increasingly take place beyond the traditional boating season when there are reduced Broads Authority Ranger patrols and no staff at Broads Authority Yacht Stations (Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Reedham and Ranworth).

Crossing Breydon Water can be very challenging and is occasionally not possible at all. Even navigating the quieter upper reaches of the rivers can be tricky. Boaters must be prepared for reduced bridge height clearances when the water levels are higher.

The Broads Authority strongly recommends that only experienced boaters attempt to navigate the waterways of the Broads during periods of very high-water levels and even then additional planning is needed and precautions need to be taken.

Experienced boaters should only navigate when necessary and with extreme care during periods when Environment Agency (EA) warnings are in place. Warnings can often remain in place for extended periods during the winter months.

No hire boats should navigate during severe flood warnings, for hirers own safety. We also strongly recommend private vessels do not navigate during these conditions.

What to remember

Before your trip:

• Always check the weather forecasts for the duration of your trip and check if there has been recent heavy or prolonged rainfall which may have caused ongoing high-water issues.
• Check for Flood alerts and warnings.
• Watch our Boating essentials videos - they contain helpful advice for the even the most experienced boater.
• Plan your journey by checking navigation notes and tide tables
• Allow for reduced daylight hours.
• Download and familiarise yourself with the free what3words app. It will help emergency services find you in an emergency
• Check tide times and the bridge heights for your trip, plus ensure you know the air draft of your boat.
• Check and monitor our Notices to Mariners and Boating news webpages.
• Follow the Broads Authority social media accounts for navigation updates and news.
• Condition checks of your boat and equipment are always vital. In the winter you should pay extra attention to lifejackets, ropes, fenders, battery, drain holes and the bilge pump. An automatic bilge pump switch is a good idea but is dependant on a fully charged battery when the boat is left.
• Keep ventilators open to ensure that air can flow properly inside your boat, even if this feels colder. Avoid additional portable heaters and stick to dedicated boat-based heating.
• Service appliances regularly and install a Carbon monoxide alarm to stop the ‘silent killer’ before it’s too late - if you experience a sudden onset headache and feel lethargic, get into fresh air and call 999.
• If you are hiring a boat, pay close attention during the boat handover and read the skippers manual that is provided.
• It also goes without saying that a fully charged phone and suitable clothing are essential!

During your trip:

• Always wear your life jacket when you are on deck, getting on and off, or tying up your boat.
• Choose mooring locations carefully - Some spots can place a vessel in danger, particularly where water levels fluctuate. Although it can be difficult to choose where to moor when a river is in flood, it's worth taking time to check the bank. If there's a steep fall or shallow bank, when the water recedes, the boat will tip to one side. Look for ledges that could catch the side of your boat. Also consider the flow of the water and how it will affect the mooring – will it push or pull the boat and cause problems with other mooring points?
• Whilst on the move keep a safe distance from where the bank can normally be seen. High waters can cause banks, structures and other obstructions to be hidden from sight - care is needed.
• Manoeuvring your boat may be more difficult because of faster flowing water and high winds – allow plenty of room.
• Step ashore, never jump. The bank can be obscured during high water events so be sure where you are stepping. Moorings will be slippery in wet or freezing conditions.
• Make sure your mooring ropes allow for movement and the rise and fall of the water levels. There is a risk of sinking if ropes are too tight or your boat becomes wedged as levels change.
• Be mindful of falling branches, and even trees, in high winds.
• Paddling? Paddle UK have published their Top ten tips for using a paddleboard, kayak or canoe during the winter.

Contact details

• If you find yourself in difficulty, have a medical emergency or can't get off your boat, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
• For non-urgent calls ask for Broadsbeat on 101 or phone Broads Control on 01603 756056.
• If you've had a collision, go to our incident reporting page

For more information on how to stay safe near flood water, visit the Environment Agency website.