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WAG's New Waterside Code
Launched 19th July 2011 at RWS
Code Pamphlet (1 MB PDF)
Help care for the environment you’re exploring…..
Environment Minister launches Waterside Code at Royal Welsh Show
New DVD and leaflet published
Many people enjoy exploring Wales’ rivers and lakes. Now, a new Waterside Code and DVD have been produced to help people enjoy our inland waters in a responsible and sustainable way.
New DVD and leaflet published
Many people enjoy exploring Wales’ rivers and lakes. Now, a new Waterside Code and DVD have been produced to help people enjoy our inland waters in a responsible and sustainable way.
Visits to inland water are extremely popular and appeal
to a range of social groups. According to the Welsh Outdoor Recreation
Survey, nearly a third of all visits to the outdoors, made by adults living
in Wales, are to an area of inland water.
This simple code gives guidance on how everyone can enjoy
activities on rivers and lakes in a way that also cares for the natural
habitats and is sensitive to other users around them.
Launching the Waterside Code at the Royal Welsh Show,
Welsh Government Environment Minister John Griffiths AM said: “Encouraging
people to enjoy the outdoors brings major economic, social and health
benefits to Wales. I am a keen swimmer myself and am particularly interested
in the Code’s advice for swimmers. It’s crucial that we continue to open up
access to our inland waterways and ensure people are aware of how to behave
in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.
"This new Waterside Code will help people explore Wales'
inland waters with confidence. It reminds us all of our responsibilities
towards the environment we're enjoying, and about considering other users as
well."
The Waterside Code, complements the Countryside Code. Its
development has been led by the Welsh Government in consultation with the
main inland water activity user groups. (more in note to editors)
Top tips for using Wales’ inland waters include:
Respecting other people by finding out where you can
and cannot go before visiting;
Checking the weather forecast before leaving home as water conditions can change rapidly in rivers and lakes;
Always making sure that you know how to get in and out of water safely as there can be hidden dangers;
Being careful not to disturb fish eggs in shallow parts of the river between autumn and spring;
Using established places to get in and out of the water to protect riverbanks and lakesides;
Checking, cleaning and drying clothing and equipment before travelling to new places to stop the spread of invasive species.
CCW has published the Waterside Code and Morgan Parry, CCW Chairman, said: “Exploring Wales’ rivers and lakes can be an unforgettable experience, bringing you into close contact with rich natural habitats. It’s really important that users get to know the environment they’re enjoying so that they can help preserve it.”
Checking the weather forecast before leaving home as water conditions can change rapidly in rivers and lakes;
Always making sure that you know how to get in and out of water safely as there can be hidden dangers;
Being careful not to disturb fish eggs in shallow parts of the river between autumn and spring;
Using established places to get in and out of the water to protect riverbanks and lakesides;
Checking, cleaning and drying clothing and equipment before travelling to new places to stop the spread of invasive species.
CCW has published the Waterside Code and Morgan Parry, CCW Chairman, said: “Exploring Wales’ rivers and lakes can be an unforgettable experience, bringing you into close contact with rich natural habitats. It’s really important that users get to know the environment they’re enjoying so that they can help preserve it.”
Over the coming months, more specific and detailed codes
of conduct will be developed for key activities – angling, canoeing and wild
swimming will be the first of these. Working groups will be set up to
develop the content of the codes, which will also be sent out to
consultation.
The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) funded this
educational film, with support form the Environment Agency Wales, produced
by 2 Rays production. A short version will be available on CCW’s YouTube
channel shortly. A fuller version has been sent to all outdoor pursuits
centres to help them prepare for activities on lakes and rivers.
Ends
For further information, please contact Helen Evans, CCW PR Officer on 01248 387377 or 07717225589, or Bran Devey on 02920 772403 or 07747767443.
For further information, please contact Helen Evans, CCW PR Officer on 01248 387377 or 07717225589, or Bran Devey on 02920 772403 or 07747767443.
Notes to Editors
Wales Outdoor Recreation Survey (WORS 2008).
The Waterside Code is the first of a family of codes of conduct for water activities.
The Waterside Code has been produced following wide consultation by a steering group led by the Welsh Government, and involving the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, with advice from the Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee, National Farmers Union, Canoe Wales and the Outdoor Swimming Society.
The Waterside Code is the first of a family of codes of conduct for water activities.
The Waterside Code has been produced following wide consultation by a steering group led by the Welsh Government, and involving the Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, with advice from the Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee, National Farmers Union, Canoe Wales and the Outdoor Swimming Society.