1st April 2020. For 25 years the National Coastwatch Institution has been successful in its role of being HMCG’s Eyes Along the Coast and it is time for us to expand our activities.
We have been approached by the Inland Waterways Board to examine the possibility of extending our activities to canals and rivers in the UK. This is principally to assist in safeguarding the activities of leisure users.
NCI have identified a site on a canal in Halifax as our first inland waterways station. The view from the station is perfect for our activities. As you can see, the position is ideal for observation. The new station will be part of a traditional mill building and has running water, heating, toilet facilities and backs onto a public bar!
An NCI Spokesperson said “One of the huge problems at this site is that of ‘swan oscillation.’ This is not a term I had encountered until being approached by the Inland Waterways Board but it is a serious risk to waterways users. Apparently, the action of large groups of swans, when all paddling at the same time, can cause a small tidal wave or ‘bore’ which can easily overturn a canoe or kayak. There are a large number of swans on this particular canal in Halifax so the danger from ‘swan oscillation’ is very real.”
It is envisaged that NCI Halifax will be operational by winter 2020 and applications for staffing are invited from today. If you wish to be part of NCI Halifax, please contact David Crozier, (NCI Swan Oscillation Team).