Why Locks Exist and What They Do

Britain's canals and navigable rivers rise and fall with the landscape. A lock is simply a water-filled chamber with gates at each end that lets boats climb or descend between two different water levels. For riverside and lakeside dwellers, understanding locks turns a daunting obstacle into one of the most sociable and satisfying parts of a day afloat. Whether you are on a narrowboat, a cruiser or a paddleboard, the principles are the same: go slowly, work as a team, and let the water do the heavy lifting.

Approaching a Lock: Slow Down and Read the Signals

Approach every lock at tick-over, ideally no faster than a brisk walking pace. Look ahead for the lock landing, a stretch of mooring with bollards just below or above the lock. If another boat is already working through, wait well back so you do not crowd the gates. Check for traffic lights, signs and, on some waterways, a lock keeper's signals. Red means stop; green means you may enter when the gates are fully open. If in doubt, hold your position and watch what others do.

• Prepare lines and fenders: have a bow line, stern line and a centre line ready. Fenders down on the side facing the lock wall, but lift them if they could catch on a cill or gate.
• Look for the lock keeper: on busy rivers and some broad canals, a keeper or volunteer may direct you. Follow their instructions before touching any paddle gear.
• Ask before you act: a simple "Are you coming up or down?" or "Would you like a hand?" prevents confusion and keeps everyone safe.
• Enter only when invited: wait until the gates are fully open and any exiting boat has cleared the chamber.

Gates, Paddles and the Golden Rules

Once inside, keep the boat clear of the gates and the cill — the hidden step at the top gate that can sink a boat if it catches underneath. Stop alongside the lock wall, step ashore carefully with a line, and loop it around a bollard. Do not tie off tightly if the water level is about to change; keep the line adjustable.

Before opening any paddle, close the gates fully. Mitre gates should meet snugly in the middle, and single gates should sit in their recess. A gate that is not fully closed will let water through, making the lock slow to fill or empty and causing unpredictable currents. Then, and only then, reach for your windlass.

• Open paddles slowly: crack them open a turn or two, then pause. Let the water equalise gradually.
• Use ground paddles first where fitted: these fill or empty through culverts and cause less turbulence than gate paddles.
• One paddle at a time: opening both fully and at once can slam the boat against the wall or sweep a crew member off balance.
• Keep hands and feet clear: paddle gear, ratchets and balance beams can bite. Never stand on a gate that is moving.
• Watch the boat constantly: adjust lines as the water rises or falls, and keep the bow or stern from catching on the gate or cill.

Working Through the Lock Step by Step

Going uphill: enter the empty chamber, close the bottom gates behind you, and open the ground paddle on the top gate. As water rushes in, hold the centre line or bow line to keep the boat steady. When the level equalises, open the top gates and motor out slowly. Going downhill: enter the full chamber, close the top gates, and open the bottom paddles. Again, watch the cill as the water drops. Keep the boat roughly in the middle of the chamber if you can, away from both sets of gates.

• Close all paddles before opening gates: this prevents a sudden surge and protects the gate gear.
• Leave gates and paddles as signs instruct: often this means gates closed and paddles down, but some locks ask you to leave a gate open for the next boat.
• Check behind you: a quick glance ensures no one is caught in the bywash or struggling with a line.

Lock Keepers, Volunteers and Fellow Boaters

Lock keepers and volunteer lock keepers are there to help, especially on rivers where currents and weirs demand respect. They may ask you to wait, to send a crew member ahead, or to use a particular paddle. Experienced boaters often know the quirks of a local lock — a stiff paddle, a leaking gate, a strong side current — so it pays to watch and listen before you act. If you are new, say so. The boating community is famously generous with advice, and a calm, cautious approach will earn you plenty of goodwill.

Safety, Etiquette and Finding Your Rhythm

Wear sturdy footwear, keep children and dogs inside or well supervised, and never jump between boat and bank. A life jacket is sensible on rivers and open water, even for confident swimmers. As you gain experience, locks become less intimidating and more enjoyable. The rhythm of winding a paddle, watching the water swirl, and chatting with the crew on the next boat is part of what makes British riverside and lakeside living so special. Take your time, close gates fully, watch for instructions, and let each lock teach you something new.