THE ARTICLE THIS MORNING concerning a canal drowning once again raises the question of the safety of the canals.
With a coroner demanding more for safety and signage, as we have often heard before.
A fence they could climb
The only thing that will keep those who spend the evening drinking then drowning would be a fence, and this was done in Bath to keep students from drowning. But it was a fence they could climb, so it did not keep them from drowning. (The picture shows it being built, with the one below showing a canal that is fenced.)
And signage was mentioned, but would these students then be even capable of reading a sign, after an 'evening drinking' and how many would be needed, one every few yards in all the built-up areas?
Then the coroner pointed out that the bank was too high for a person to climb out of the water, so what now, lower all the banks to make it easier? Well, the water cannot be raised or the locks won't work!
The coroner went on to issue a prevention of future deaths report in the wake of the tragedy, with the report to Canal & River Trust stating there was no safety equipment which could assist someone in the water.
But what's the point, when they are in the water any safety equipment, such as a lifebuoy or even a ladder that of course must be on the bank, cannot be reached, and this particular person was alone.
When all it needs is common sense—keep away from the canals when alone after an 'evenings drinking' and especially in the dark, have a companion. For water, in whatever form is dangerous.
Or more sensible still, if intending to walk by a canal alone in the dark, keep of the booze, then you will keep all your facilities...and be able to climb out as the water near the towpath is fairly shallow.
Victor Swift—telling tales for 25 years (or is it now 26?)