Environment Agency Navigation and Waterways

Draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031

Waterway users, customers, stakeholders and partners are being invited to help shape the future of navigation by sharing their views on the draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031.

The draft strategy sets out our vision for strengthening navigation services over the coming years and responds to a clear need for change, ensuring waterways continue to provide benefits for those who use, enjoy and value them, now and in the future. It is an agile strategy that in the first instance will focus on building strong foundations and delivering our core duties while we continue to gather evidence to make informed decisions about the future.

Developed with input from staff and representatives from national stakeholder groups, the draft strategy has been shaped by a wide range of expertise and experience. Now, as we progress towards the final strategy, we want to hear from a wider audience.

This consultation is an opportunity for people to influence the future direction of our navigation service, to further improve the strategy and help ensure it reflects the priorities and needs of those who use the waterways.

We want to understand what matters most to customers, users, stakeholders and partners so we can balance their needs with our responsibilities and continue providing the best possible experience on the waterways.

By taking part, you can help shape a strategy that supports the long-term future of navigation and our waterways.

We're proud of what we do and committed to getting the future right. Your feedback will help us build on our strengths, focus on what matters most, and create a future where more people can enjoy, benefit from and value our waterways, now and for generations to come.

Your voice matters. Take a few minutes to read our draft strategy and complete our survey by 21 October 2026 and help shape the future of navigation.

Link to draft strategy - https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/42576/widgets/157135/documents/110358

Link to survey - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/BhwSs0YhE1

Paddle UK, the national governing body for paddlesport, has commissioned independent research with DS Insight to better understand how people get into paddling, where they get information, how they make decisions about safety, and what types of advice and messages are most useful.

They want to hear from new and recreational paddlers, and we'd really appreciate your help in sharing the survey with your networks and community.

The survey is for anyone who takes part in recreational paddling, whether that’s using a stand up paddleboard, kayak, canoe, sit-on-top kayak, or inflatable craft.

It takes around 15 minutes to complete. As a thank you, everyone who takes part will be eligible for a 10% off code for Paddle UK membership, plus a chance to win one of five annual memberships.

Take the survey

Your answers will help Paddle UK and its partners develop better safety advice and support for new and recreational paddlers.

We know that the long spell of dry weather and drought can be difficult for boaters, businesses and riverside communities. On 29 July a drought was declared in several parts of England, including areas where we manage navigation. Low rainfall, high temperatures and reduced river flows are putting pressure on levels for navigation, the environment and public water supply. This is the fourth heatwave of the summer. So far, England has received only 7% of its usual July rainfall. Some parts of the south-east have received less than 1%. This July could be the warmest and driest on record.

We are managing water carefully to keep navigation open where it is safe and sustainable. Some journeys may take longer, and local restrictions may apply. Plan your journey, allow extra time and share locks where possible to help save water. Follow local notices, signs, channel markers and advice from lock keepers. Check your moorings, particularly natural moorings where the banks are drier and crumblier than usual. Check how you’re tying your ropes as water levels change. Take extra care in sections of rivers that are shallower than usual. On the riverbank, avoid the use of barbecues or open flame due to the high risk of wildfires.

Update 10^th August 2026 – Read the drought press release here: : More areas in England declared in drought after record dry July - GOV.UK

Read the latest navigation update for your local waterway:

• Thames: River Thames: restrictions and closures - GOV.UK
• Anglian Waterways: Lincolnshire Waterways | Visit Anglian Waterways and Nene Waterways | Visit Anglian Waterways have notices currently
• River Medway: Temporary closure of canoe passes – Medway Navigation
• West Midlands: No current notices on the Wye, Lugg or Lydney Harbour

We can all help conserve water. Using less water reduces pressure on supplies and helps to protect the environment and our navigation. We support Ofwat’s Water Efficiency Campaign. Find practical ways to save water at home and work through Let’s Save Water.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation and understanding while we balance the needs of navigation, the environment and essential water supplies.

'Blackwater Joule' to become first Environment Agency zero emission workboat at Henley Royal Regatta. Second boat to set sail in East Anglia later in the year.

Read more here Environment Agency launches new electric workboat on Thames - GOV.UK.

Avoiding getting into trouble:

• Rivers are great places to have fun, get close to nature and spend time with friends and family, but vigilance saves lives and water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and #RespectTheWater.

• Rivers can be much colder than you expect and can contain hidden hazards as well as dangerous flows and undercurrents, particularly in and around structures such as weirs, bridges, locks and flood channels

• Take notice and follow all riverside signage and warnings signalling dangers and hazards – they are there to keep you safe

• If paddling or kayaking; wear a life jacket, carry a phone, check the weather, tell others where you are going and always paddle within your ability.

What to do if you get into trouble:

• If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.

• If you see someone else in trouble in the water, Phone – Float – Throw.

o Phone 999 to get help.

o Tell them to stay calm and float on their back.

o Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive.

Staying safe around water | Environment Agency

Stay Safe on the Water | Go Paddling

Phone Float Throw – Respect The Water

Safety on our Waterways | Canal & River Trust

We are pleased to share our end of season report for our Plan for 2025 which is available at this link ‘Our waterways - a plan for 2025 – end of season report - GOV.UK'

This report provides information on the work we were undertaking during the 2025 boating season to meet the commitments we made in our Plan for 2025. We have included both quantitative and qualitative information to highlight what we have done against each of the objectives and associated activities. We are committed to improving asset reliability and the service delivery on our waterways.

Please share your feedback on our end of season report. Please use this link to complete the feedback form. We will not respond to individual feedback, but we will read and consider the information you provide when drafting the new strategy and planning our future work.

We published our latest Waterways plan on the Environment Agency GOV.UK website. Use this link to read the latest version 'Our Waterways - a plan for 2025'. The plan focusses on making improvements to our waterways in 2025. The objectives are to:

• keep our staff and customers safe
• make improvements to the customer experience
• secure more income to move towards a financially sustainable service
• describe the future ambition for our waterways and how we will get there

How we will update on our progress

• We reported on our progress mid summer (completed - see news story) and again in the autumn.
• We will update all our boat registration customers in their registration renewals at the end of the year.
• We will also communicate our progress throughout the year through social media and other communication channels.

Please watch our video where our Area Directors, with responsibility for our waterways, speak about the plan and what our teams are doing to contribute towards it.

A look ahead

Due to the short-term nature of our Plan for 2025, work has already commenced internally and with our stakeholders on the longer-term strategy to establish the future ambition of our waterways, once we better understand our longer-term funding position. We will keep you up to date.