6 Waterways

The term "inland waterway" refers to navigable rivers, canals and their surrounding infrastructures designed to be used by inland waterway craft only, such as canoes, cruising boats, barges, sailing boats, power boats and for land-based activities such as angling.

Waterways Ireland manages, maintains, develops and promotes over 1000km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. The waterways under the remit of Waterways Ireland are the Barrow Navigation, the Erne System, the Grand Canal, the Lower Bann, the Royal Canal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation.

Waterways can present many challenges for visitors and particularly for visitors who have a disability. People with a range of disabilities experience difficulty in accessing waterway crafts, movement on grass, loose surfaced pathways and uneven ground.

This guide considers the accessibility features of any on-site facilities [1] such as parking, WC facilities, and routes leading to and around the waterway. Consideration is also given to access to jetties, piers, fishing stands, floating pontoons and to various waterside locations from which boating activities take place.

It is not intended that these guidelines offer a complete or in-depth specification that will be suitable for every situation. However where waterways and their associated amenities are appropriately designed and managed, they may be shared-use locations capable of facilitating a range of users including people with disabilities.

Within this section, this guide includes design criteria for Multi-Access and Challenging Access routes as well as guidance regarding;

• Use of Symbols
• Information Display Boards
• Fishing Stands, Boating and Canoeing amenities
• Entrance and Exit Points
• Access to Riverbanks/Fishing Stands/Jetties and Walkways
• Accessible Fishing Stands
• Access to water-based activities
• Obstacles and Barriers
• On-site Support and Accessible Equipment

 

The symbols below represent Multi-Access and Challenging Access routes which are proposed to identify two levels of accessibility.
Multi-Access Symbol	Challenging Access Symbol

6.1 Use of Symbols

The symbols as described below should be located at the entrance point of a trail/route leading to/around the waterway, at route junction points and at regular intervals along the waterway where the route meets a specific level of accessibility.

The use of these symbols will ensure the location of signage and route direction can be easily determined and followed. People with disabilities can then make an informed choice to follow a specific riverbank, go to a designated viewing point or fishing pier.

Please Note: Warning should be given in advance where the accessibility along a route disimproves so that the route is no longer accessible to the same level.

Use of Symbol on Multi-Access trails and Routes to Waterway Sites When displaying this symbol the following criteria should apply:
	Accessible route to and along the river/canal/waterway. Even surface with little or no gradient, 1:21(5%) or preferably gentler being maximum gradient on any sloping ground and only for a short distance. See guidance on route design for additional information. Flat/smooth surfacing. No steps. Access to the river/canal bank. No obstacles.
Use of Symbol on Challenging Access Trails and Routes to Waterway Sites When displaying this symbol the following criteria should apply:
	A moderately accessible route to and along river/canal/waterway. Slight or more challenging incline/s at some locations, max slopes of 1:15 (7%) in some locations and only for a very short distance. Any steeper slope is considered unsuitable. See guidance on route design for additional information. Textured or uneven surfacing that may cause difficulty i.e. loose materials on the route to the waterway, gravel/vegetation surface on the river bank and encroaching tree branches. No steps. No obstacles.

6.2 Information Display Boards

Information Display Boards are essential elements in providing adequate information to direct visitors towards and along trails and routes, Information Display Boards provide people with information on facilities available, the use of any waymarking system, features of interest or give warnings about hazards and obstacles along routes.

Please revert to Section 3 for complete guidance on the design of Information Display Boards.

6.3 Design Criteria for Multi-Access and Challenging Access Routes Adjacent to Waterways

The design of an accessible route should allow good access to all users. The route should be designed and set out in a manner to avoid hazards and allow all users a safe opportunity to enjoy the waterway surroundings.

Information on the features and levels of accessibility for routes leading to and adjacent to waterways should be presented in a variety of ways i.e. both online and on-site, to allow users to consider access options and to be able to view onsite facilities provided.

The following design criteria should apply:

• Accessible Parking. Provide accessible parking bays adjacent to waterway routes and include a set down area [2].
• Level Access from the parking area to the route/s adjacent to the waterway and leading to on-site facilities.
• Public accessible WCs/ Changing Places WC Facility should be situated adjacent to the parking area or pier walkway/routes to the waterways that are serviced by accessible entrance points.
• Multi-Access Route Surfacing. Suitable surface materials for route/pathways include concrete, tarmac, bitumen macadam, timber and metal. For Multi-Access Routes there should be very little or no loose material on the route/pathway. Even very small loose particles can make a pathway challenging for people with poor balance. Loose particles should not exceed 5mm in size.
• Challenging Access Surface. Surface materials that are challenging include: dust blinding, timber, loose gravel and grass.
• Surface Colour for Multi-Access and Challenging Access Routes. Light coloured surfacing is preferable as it diverges in colour from the surrounding landscape and can aid in wayfinding for people who have a visual impairment. Providing an alternate surface type along the sides of any route to create a separation in colour and texture can act as a guiding strip for people who have a visual impairment.
• Level and Sloping Surfaces for Multi-Access Waterway Trails and Routes.
  Always choose the option of providing the most gentle slope gradient possible. The surface on Multi-Access Routes should be level. A surface gradient of 1:40 – 1:50 is considered level while allowing for drainage of surface water. Where slopes are unavoidable the gradient should always be as smooth as possible and no steeper than 1:21 (5%) for short distances i.e. no more than 10m in any one section and no more than 2 consecutive sections at any location. Ensure a 1500mm length landing is available between sections and provide handrails on both sides of the sloped ground. Slopes that have a gradient steeper than 1:21 are ramps and ramps have specific design elements required, including the provision of adjacent steps which are favoured by some people who have a mobility impairment. Section 7 gives design guidance for ramp design.
• Surface Gradients on Challenging Access Routes.
  These may be undulating but should not be any steeper than 1:15 (7%) for short distances i.e. a maximum length of 5m between landings with a maximum rise of 333mm in any one section. Ensure the availability of 1500mm length landings between sections and no more than 2 consecutive sections at any location. A slope gradient of 1:15 (7%) is considered a ramp and therefore should include handrails/adjacent steps etc. as described in Section 7. Some people may like to challenge themselves on more difficult routes and /or to use off-road mobility equipment.
  
  A steeper slope gradient of 1:12 (8%) is not recommended and is only acceptable in very exceptional circumstances when no other options are available or possible and only for a very short distance i.e. a maximum length of 2m with a maximum rise of 166mm. A slope gradient of 1:12 is considered a ramp and therefore should include handrails/adjacent steps etc. as described in Section 7.
  
  Many people using manual wheelchairs will require assistance on a 1:15 (7%) or a 1:12 (8%) slope gradient and also on 1:21 or 1:20 (5%) slope gradient if the route has more than 1 section.
• Route Width. The width of any route should be 2000mm to allow two wheelchair users to pass each other safely. A path width of 1500mm accommodates a wheelchair user and another person walking alongside. A minimum path width for a wheelchair user to traverse without another person walking alongside is 1200mm and is only suitable for very short distances.
• Passing Spaces that allow two wheelchair users to pass each other should be provided on routes that are less than 2000mm in width and where the overall route length is greater than 25m. Passing spaces in the external environment should be 2000mm in depth and 2000mm in width and located within direct sight of another passing space.
• Railings. Routes should have some railing protection in places where the route is higher than the adjoining ground.
• Upstand. Edge protection such as a raised kerb of at least 150mm in height should be provided on both sides of the route which also acts as a “tipping rail” to assist a person with visual impairment, who is using a cane, with wayfinding.
• Viewing points. Where a barrier is required at a viewing point for reasons of safety provide a perspex barrier at a height of 800-900mm from ground level. Ensure there are no bins or overgrown shrubbery blocking the view from a sitting height. Perspex should be maintained regularly and green algae should be removed as this will obstruct the view.
• Seating Type Seating should be placed back from the main route by at least 600mm to allow others to move freely past the seating area. Seating provided should be no lower than 450mm from ground level with a minimum of 450mm seat depth and with a heel space of 100mm to allow for easier rising from the seat. Armrests should be provided as they assist a person to sit into and to rise from the seat. Avoid sharp edges. A clear space of 1400mm in depth and 900mm is width is recommended adjacent to the seating to allow a person using a wheelchair to position themselves alongside.
• Maintenance. Regular upkeep and maintenance will ensure that waterway routes and canal/river banks remain accessible for all users.

6.4 Obstacles and Barriers

The following obstacles and barriers may occur when accessing waterways, accessible solutions may have to be innovatively designed and creatively achieved wherever possible:

• Natural environmental obstructions may define access (rocks, banks etc.).
• Pathways can be naturally rough and difficult to travel for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility aids.
• Erosion may occur and resurfacing of sections of the pier may be regularly required. Consider if drainage is an option.
• Sites along waterways may be prone to flooding.
• Constraints on accessibility can be caused by the surrounding natural topography.
• Piers and walkways, due to weather conditions, can become slippery. Algae can also be present which could make the surface unsafe underfoot. These areas should be maintained to minimize the impact of this.
• Protruding vegetation and obstacles should be secured and should be maintained regularly so as not to encroach onto the pier and accessible fishing stands.
• Piers/accessible fishing stands. Where the slope on the approach route is very steep, consider whether an alternative route is possible.
• Exposed embankments nearby to the water edge can be a potential hazard for people with disabilities but can be reduced by providing appropriate fencing/rails.

6.5 Entrance and Exit Points

The guiding principle of access for all is to choose the least restrictive option so that access through the entrance and exit points is as easy as possible for everyone including people with limited strength and restricted manual dexterity. All gates/gaps should be sufficiently wide to allow a person using a wheelchair/mobility scooter to easily gain entry to a route adjacent to the waterway. Consider quick fix options of replacing an inappropriate gate or stile with a more suitable gate type or create an open entrance. Always provide an alternate entrance where vehicle barrier poles are located.

The following design criteria should apply:

• Gate/Gap width. A clear opening width of 1000mm for a gate or gap is required to allow entrance to a person using a wheelchair/scooter. Provide 500mm clear space to the latch side of any gate.
• Gate opening mechanism. The self-closing two-way system on a Chiltern/Milton Keynes enables this gate to be simply opened in either direction by pedestrians or people using wheelchairs.[3] Latches on gates should be visible and usable from both sides of the gates. A Crosbie Gate can also be a good alternative while a Kissing Gate would not be recommended as its use is complicated for a person using a wheelchair. The design of a Kissing Gate suitable for use by a wheelchair user would allow entry to other vehicles where such gates are often intended to restrict access.
• Latches. Should be easily used requiring minimal strength and dexterity, twist, pinching or pulling to operate. Latches should be placed no higher than 1200mm to ensure that people seated in a wheelchair can reach them.
• Bollards. Where used, should be a minimum of 1000mm in height, 250mm in width and contrast with the background in colour and tone. A High Visibility Collar should be placed around the top end of the bollard to identify the bollard to a person with vision impairment. Adjacent bollards should not be linked with a chain or rope of any type. There should be a minimum gap of 900mm between adjacent bollards.

6.6 Access to Riverbanks/Fishing Stands, Jetties and Walkways

Access to the river or canal bank including fishing stands/jetties and pier walkways, can be difficult or impossible for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility aid. In these instances, accessible pathways/boardwalks are necessary to enable easy access from adjacent routes onto the river bank or pier where fishing stands are located and from which other water-based activities take place. A timber boardwalk can be part of an access route that connects the land with water-based activities.

The following design criteria should apply:

• Materials to be used. With environmental concerns in mind the use of modified non-toxic wood is recommended. Over time the wood will naturally weather, enhancing its beauty, while maintaining its structural integrity even with facing the harsher weather conditions that structures adjacent to waterways endure. The surface material most commonly used include traditional, pressure treated wood, composite decking, pre-cast concrete forms and modified wood [4]. Any wood or composite wood material must be treated with non-slip properties as these materials tend towards being slippery in wet/moist weather.
• Access to the Boardwalk. Level access from the adjoining route onto a boardwalk is required, avoid creating any lip or upstand. Access from the adjacent route onto a boardwalk should be gently sloped. Wooden boards should be laid at right angles to the direction of traffic flow, otherwise mobility canes or the front castors of wheelchairs may be caught between boards. It is good practice to lay down decking with very slight gaps between the individual boards. This may also give some extra grip if boards become wet and slippery. The gap should be no greater than 12mm.
• Slope/ gradient of route. The same design criteria apply as for Multi-Access and Challenging Access Routes.
• Width of route. The same design criteria apply as for Multi-Access and Challenging Access Routes.
• Edge Protection. Boardwalks are recommended to have edge protection/upstand in place along the length of the boardwalk/pier to prevent the front castors of a wheelchair from going over the edge. Edge protection such as a raised kerb of at least 150mm in height should be provided on both sides of a boardwalk or on any open side of a pier that is not in use to give access to the water. This upstand also acts as a “tapping rail” to assist a person with a visual impairment with wayfinding.
Please note this may interfere with a person being able to easily self -transfer on and off watercrafts. Consultation is advised.
• Railings. Boardwalks and pier walks should have protection in places where the boardwalk or pier is higher than the adjoining ground and where open space is not required to give access to watercrafts or other water-based activities.
• Maintenance. Regular upkeep and maintenance will ensure that piers, fishing stands and banks remain accessible for all users.

6.7 Accessible Fishing Stands

Accessible Fishing Stands are designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, who wish to engage in angling activities. Accessible fishing stands can be provided on a river/canal/lake bank or on a floating pontoon anchored adjacent to the waterside. Both can be accessed by a combination of linking an access route to a boardwalk and/or gangway.

• Integration. Fully accessible fishing stands should be integrated with other angling points.
• Width of Linking Gangway. The linking gangway or route leading to the fishing stand or pontoon should have a minimum width of 1500mm which accommodates a wheelchair user and person walking alongside. A width of 1200mm accommodates a person using a wheelchair.
• Size of Fishing Stand. A river/canal/lakeshore bank fishing stand should be 2400x1800mm. Where more than one angler is to be accommodated a distance of 3m should be maintained between anglers e.g. a stand sized 4200x1800mm will accommodate three anglers.
• Floating pontoon. Should always be anchored to give stability and to prevent lateral movement.
• Connectivity. Ensure that accessible fishing points are connected to an accessible route leading to a car park area. Provide at least one accessible fishing point for each accessible parking space.
• Edge Protection. Fishing Stands are recommended to have an edge protection/upstand in place along the length of the stand to prevent the front castors of a wheelchair from going over the edge. Edge protection such as a raised kerb of at least 150mm in height should be provided on all sides of any fishing stand. This upstand also acts as a “tapping rail” to assist a person with a visual impairment with wayfinding.
• Railings. Fishing Stands and particularly floating pontoons should have rail protection in place. Portions of the railings that are lowered should provide fishing opportunities for persons with disabilities. They should be positioned in a variety of locations on the fishing stand or pontoon to give people a variety of locations to fish. Different fishing locations may provide better fishing opportunities with varying water depths, shade, vegetation and proximity to the shoreline or bank.
• Surfacing. Permanent fishing points should be level with a firm, stable and slip resistant surface such as timber or galvanised metals. Each fishing point should be at least 1500mm long by1500mm wide.
• Space for casting. Clear space behind anglers should be provided for safe casting. Any overhanging trees or vegetation should be cut back.
• Seating. Where possible, seating with some armrests should be provided at accessible fishing points.
• Holder for Fishing Rods. Where armrests and rod holders are provided on the top of the fishing stand they should be inclined at 30 degrees. Armrests should be 800-850mm high for seated anglers and 1050-1170mm high for standing anglers. Some anglers who are wheelchair users may have attachments on their wheelchair to support a fishing rod. [5] [6].

6.8 Access to Water-Based Activities

Canoeing and other watercraft activities become more inclusive to a wide range of people when the correct facilities and equipment are available. A gangway is often needed to enable people with disabilities to participate in water-based activities. Having on-site equipment such as a hoist, transfer boards and a transfer box that will enable a person with a disability transfer into or onto a boat is essential. If required some simple adaptations can be made to a canoe or other watercraft. Supporting staff and volunteers to gain knowledge and competence in assisting people who have a disability to experience and enjoy water-based activities should be a prerequisite for any such activity.

The following design criteria should apply:

• Accessible Gangways. For accessing watercraft, a gangway is a variable-sloped pedestrian walkway linking a fixed structure or land with a floating structure. Gangways are often provided as part of access routes to connect accessible boat slips on floating piers with watercraft of varying types. To ensure a gangway is accessible, gangways should always be designed for the least possible slope which will provide more independent access for people with disabilities. As a minimum, however, gangways must be designed to provide for a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) wherever possible. Gangways are not required to be longer than 25m in length. For example, if the vertical distance between where the gangway departs the landside connection and the elevation of the pier surface at the lowest water level is 3m, the gangway would have to be at least 25m. As water levels rise and fall, gangway slopes also rise and fall.
• Transition Plates are sloping pedestrian walking surfaces located at the end of a gangway. Gangways are not required to have landings at the end if transition plates are provided. If the slope of a transition plate is greater than 1:20(5%), the transition plate must have a landing at the non-gangway end of the transition plate. Handrails should be provided on both sides of gangways at a height between 900 – 1000mm extending 300mm beyond the gangway and the closed end.

6.9 On-site Equipment and Support

Many people with disabilities may have limited mobility and specific equipment can ensure increased participation in waterway activities. At some waterway sites there may be equipment available for public use. Different types of equipment may be relevant depending on individual ability. Always consult with the person and their advisors if available, as to which means of transfer and which type of equipment is most suited to their requirements.

Adaptations and Transfer Methods

Supportive Seating.
Various seating types and seating supports that are designed specifically for people who require assistance with seated balance, can aid a person with limited balance in using watercraft. It is important that such products give a high degree of security, support and padding during an activity. One such product is the 'Aquabac Adult Support System'. The Aquabac Adult Support System is designed specifically for people who require assistance with seated balance. The Aquabac is ideally suited to watersports as it offers a high degree of security and support.

Reduced Hand Function.
A person with reduced hand function/grip strength can benefit from using paddles with small diameter shafts and/or paddles covered with gripping material which will support a tighter grip. Active Hands gripping aids are also a useful tool to enable people with weak grip or reduced hand function to tightly hold onto objects from gym equipment to ski-outriggers, to kayak paddles, adaptive hand bikes and many more. Consider also other paddle adaptations e.g. wrist and hand adaptations, light weight paddles etc. https://www.activehands.com

Reduced Upper Limb Function.
A person with reduced Upper Limb Function or strength who has limited physical ability to use paddles may find using junior paddles a solution. Alternatively more lightweight and or single arm reciprocating paddle support can be useful. Attach one end of the paddle to the buoyancy aid for stability and use floats on the side of the boat.

Crewlift.
A 'Davit Lifting System' makes boating accessible for people who use wheelchairs and provides a means for sailing clubs, marine centres and marine service providers to achieve a level of access.

Features:

• Telescopic, extendable arm.
• Lifts up to 160kg.
• Marine grade hydraulic ram.
• Heavy duty stainless steel construction.
• Rotates 360 degrees.
• Hydraulic control system at accessible heights.
• Fail-safe design.
• Two security levels.

Transfer Box or Sliding Board.
Individuals who have good upper body strength might use a transfer box/sliding board. This is a box with a hinged board attached that when opened up, provides a ramp to slide from the box top to the boat. Position the transfer box/board so that they can transfer from their wheelchair onto the box, then slide onto the boat/kayak/canoe and manoeuvre into a comfortable position . A transfer board allows the person to transfer directly from their chair to the boat by sliding from one to the other.

Transfer Board

Foam Transfer Benches

Transfer bench

Hoists. There are many different types of hoist that can be used to assist people with a disability to transfer into or onto a boat. Hoists used must be approved to hold significant body weight capacity. Advice can be sought from an experienced health care professional such as an Occupational Therapist when choosing a hoist. See www.aoti.ie for details of private practitioners. A 'Hydraulic Hoyer Hoist' is used at many sailing sites. These are very easy to use as long as they are mounted securely in a convenient position on the dock that allows easy access to the boat being used. Although the mount will be permanently placed on the dock, the hoist itself can be removed and stored indoors when not in use. Staff/volunteer training should be provided by an Occupational Therapist or experienced supplier in the use of specific hoists and slings.

Please Note: Do not exceed the recommended weight capacity recommendations for the hoists in use at your facility.

Slings or Hoist Harnesses. Slings or a lifting harness are needed for both the Hoyer and Electronic Hoists. Some people will have their own personal slings/harnesses that they prefer to use. However, centres should meet the requirements of international standards when selecting types of slings for the facility. Slings that cradle the person around the back and buttocks and that cross between the legs are highly recommended because they offer the extra safety of keeping a person from sliding out of the sling during the transfer. Some people prefer to use climbing or mountaineering harnesses typically used by big boat bowmen.

Wheelyboats are boats that have been specially designed with a bow door that is hinged and lowers to form a ramp which enables roll-on, roll-off access. The largest aluminium boat in the Wheelyboat range, the 'Mk III', was designed and developed in 2006. It is larger and has more passenger capacity than its two predecessors and is perfectly suited for pleasure boating, nature watching, as well as angling. It can also be used as a trip boat or a small ferry.

The deck is non-slip aluminium treadplate. In normal conditions, the manufacturer says wheelchair brakes are sufficient to hold people who use wheelchairs in place, however a clamping system to ensure security for the person using the wheelchair is by far preferable. To be discussed with the boat supplier. http://www.wheelyboats.org

The Strong Arm is a versatile hands-free fishing rod holder that gives the user total control without the use of grip. This is an excellent product for anyone with reduced or no grip. With this rod holder some lower level quadriplegics can cast by themselves.

The Strong-Arm enables the user with limited or no finger strength to hold a fishing rod in a good position and to cast off without the need to grip the rod at all.

Made of 6 oz. oil-treated leather, it can be worn over or under most clothing. One size fits all. The strong arm is available for left and right-handed users.

6.10 Safety Risk Management – Water Based Activities

Boating is a safe sport as long as policies and procedures that have safety in mind are implemented and followed. Generally, the same policies that any programme has with all mainstream participants should be the same for participants who have a disability. However, there are a few considerations that are particularly important when participants have a disability.

Accessible Kayak

Transferring into/onto a boat. When specific tasks are being carried out such as transferring into the boat or securing the person in a seat on the boat, it is important to examine how the task is being handled. Is the way the task is being handled safe for you and for the person? Is there a safer way of doing it? It can be very helpful to brainstorm with instructors, the person with a disability themselves and any advisors to determine what works best and most safely for everyone.

PFD Personal Flotation Devices [7] is a generic term used to describe lifejackets and buoyancy aids. It is important to consider the person’s level of physical ability when deciding which PDF to use.The main difference between lifejackets and buoyancy aids is that a lifejacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face up upon entering the water. A buoyancy aid is not guaranteed to do this and is as the name describes an aid to keeping the person afloat.

Life Jacket

Lifejackets are designed to prevent drowning. They must be capable of returning to the surface as quickly as possible without danger to the health of the user, who may be exhausted or unconscious after falling into water, and of keeping them afloat in a position which permits breathing while awaiting help.

Hoist to get in and out of boats"

– Quote from National Online Survey 2017

Buoyancy Aids are a specialist form of personal flotation device (PFD) used most commonly by kayakers, canoeists and dinghy sailors. They are designed as a flotation aid, rather than a life-saving device and have several key differences to other PFD's and lifejackets. Canoeing and kayaking buoyancy aids, for example, are designed with mobility and arm movement in mind so that the paddler can paddle properly. They typically have front and back foam buoyancy, with none or very little around the sides. Regardless of the specification of buoyancy aids, it is important to remember that they do not provide (nor are they intended to) the same high level of protection as lifejackets.

Hypothermia, Heat Exhaustion & Dehydration clothing is an important consideration when out on the water as body heat can cool quickly. Attention should be given to any person who may have a disability and not be personally aware of the dangers of hypothermia and heat exhaustion. Some participants may have no sensory feeling of “cold” or “hot”, or be unaware of the meaning of that feeling. Similarly, some participants may find it difficult to judge their stamina accurately. (Sunscreen and hats are extremely important and should be worn by these individuals.) Some individuals with spinal cord injuries do not sweat below their injury level – so for those with high levels of injury (especially cervical injuries) cooling through sweat evaporation may not be possible.

Participants in water-based sports need to take water with them while engaged in activities and need to be encouraged to drink fluids while they are out on the water to avoid dehydration.

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