• Always supervise your little ones, whether you are on the water or beside it.
  
  
• When going on the water in your own craft, or one of our rental craft, it is a requirement that all water users wear a certified and correctly fitted buoyancy aid.
  
  
• If using your own craft, you will need to have proof of appropriate third party liability insurance, to a limit of £1 million.
  
  
• When renting a craft from the onsite Activity Hub, you will receive a full safety briefing for your group. You will all be fitted with appropriate buoyancy aids, at no additional charge.
  
  
• As is standard within the hire industry, users of equipment are responsible for their own safety. Our lakes are not life guarded, so it is important to consider you and your family’s safety.
  
  
• If you have not canoed before, rather than powering across the middle of a lake, why not stay within 30 metres of the bank. You will be able to enjoy a beautiful experience safely in the unlikely event of a capsize.
  
  
• Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol.
  
  
• In the event of thunder, exit the water immediately and do not re-enter for at least an hour after the last thunderclap. This will ensure that the storm has passed.

Finally, in the event that you see someone who you think may be in difficulty on the lakes, please raise help by contacting the relevant responder

Lower Mill Estate, Mill Village on +44 (0)1285 869 184.
Silverlake, Estate Office on +44 (0)1305 851 784.

We hope you found this information helpful, if you have any further questions, please contact the Activity Hub on +44 (0)1285 869 184 or +44 (0)7539 333 127.

Plan your route

While planning your cycle route, keep in mind your stamina and strength limits. To avoid feeling too tired on your route, make sure to plan in some rest stops, so you can enjoy your surroundings or a leisurely lunch at one of the fantastic local pubs. If you need any help, please ask at the Activity Hub, as we are always happy to help.

Ride in high visibility areas 

When cycling, we would always advise you to wear bright and colourful clothing, like orange or yellow, so that drivers can spot you while driving. Go for lightweight layers for the British weather!  

Watch out for the oncoming traffic 

For your safety, please keep an eye on the traffic while riding. Along narrow roads and lanes, drivers can often appear without notice. Also, watch out for motorbikes, as they can easily bump into cycle riders when overtaking other vehicles. If at any point you wish to pullover and stop, please make sure it is safe to do so first and give plenty of notice to the driver behind you.

Understand the routes

It is best to plan your routes with the knowledge of traffic on the road. (If you are unsure, ask at the Activity Hub.) If you are planning to take a new route, then we recommend mapping it early and writing down the directions to be better prepared. 

Claim your cycling lane 

If you choose to cycle on the road, make your presence known, by staying to the left side of the lane; you should then be within sight of any drivers. It is best to be slow on roads with heavy traffic and maintain a single path. If staying on cycle paths, be courteous to other users, these are often shared with pedestrians and horse riders.

Obey the traffic rules 

To stay safe while cycling, make sure you obey the local traffic rules. Use clear hand signals when turning to warn approaching motorists of your intentions and only cross roads when it is safe to do so. When using cycle paths, make sure that you close gates after you.

Always be prepared 

Diversions can occur at any time without notice.  We recommend carrying extra fluids, food items, a first-aid kit and other essential items to be safe.  

Use your cycle equipment properly 

Wear a helmet while riding. We offer these for adults and children at no extra cost. We will also make sure they are fitted correctly for you.

Check the weather forecast before setting off  

In order to be safe, it is best to check the weather forecast before leaving. The British weather can be unpredictable and when you are cycling, this can cause slippery roads and reduced visibility if there is a sudden downpour.