Wear your lifejacket while canoeing or kayaking at Happy Valley Reservoir

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Happy Valley Reservoir is opening to the public from Saturday 11 December. As part of the new recreational activities, you can take your canoe or kayak on the water from 10.15am on Saturday to try a spot of fishing (fishing permits required) or to explore the water and shoreline. Remember there are some rules you need to follow that keep you safe while canoeing or kayaking on Happy Valley Reservoir:

• You must wear a level 50S or above at all times.
• If you are in a canoe or kayak (unless the hull is permanently enclosed), you will also need to carry a suitable bailer (generally a bucket attached to a rope) for removing water.
• Kayaks and canoes (including inflatable kayaks which comply with ISO-6185 and carry the appropriate badge) are the only type of watercraft permitted on the reservoir.
• Motorised craft, dinghies, row and sailing boats are also not permitted, along with electric or fuel-powered motors and sails fitted to canoes and kayaks.

We also recommend wearing brightly coloured clothes suitable for the conditions and carrying a way of communicating i.e. – mobile phone. Further useful safety information if canoeing or kayaking is available here.

Please note swimming, wading above the knees and jumping in the water is not permitted because it involves prolonged and direct contact with the water above the knee, which increases the risk of harmful pathogens, carried by humans, contaminating the water.

Our Department for Infrastructure and Transport Marine Safety Officer’s will be at the reservoir on Saturday to answer your kayaking and canoe safety questions including advice on which lifejacket to wear. Come up and have a chat with them.

Find all your information about visiting Happy Valley Reservoir here.