24/06/2026
The EA have taken the sensible decision, for the health and wellbeing of the Lock and Weir Keepers (and volunteers), to not offer assisted passage at any lock site between the hours of 11am - 4pm on Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th June while the Red Heat Warning is in place.
We appreciate your understanding with this during these unusually high temperatures for the UK. At Grafton we recorded temperatures exceeding 37c on the lock side this afternoon and are aware of other locks reaching even higher.
As tempting as it may be to jump into the river to cool off, please be careful of not just what may be hidden in the water, but also the river is shallower than expected at some points and could lead to severe injuries. Also remember that cold water shock can affect even the most seasoned of water lovers.
Stay safe in the heat and take on board the advice being given out by all the different organisations on how to stay cool, and please keep an eye on one another.