Locks were invented by the great inventor Leonardo da Vinci, over 500 years ago. He was the first to visualise the benefits of a mechanism which can lift or lower boats between levels without the need to have water continually flowing, and in a safe and controllable manner.

How to go Up or Down in a Lock

GOING UP..	GOING DOWN...
Close all gates. Ensure top paddles shut. Open Bottom paddles to empty lock Open doors and enter. Close doors and bottom paddles Open top paddles to fill lock As the boat rises, ensure that the bow does not snag on the forward lock gate Open top gates and exit	Close all gates. Ensure bottom paddles shut. Open Top paddles to fill lock Open doors and enter. Close doors and top paddles Open bottom paddles to empty lock There is a sill (step) behind you under the top gate. As the boat falls, stay forward in the lock or your boat may strike it as the water level falls. Open bottom gates and exit
Remember to leave the lock with gates and paddles shut (unless another boat is waiting to go in.)

If you are boating on the U.K. canal system you will normally be operating the locks yourself; on the rivers the locks may be self-operated or may be operated by a lock-keeper.
Locking up and down can be a fitness programme in its own right. For example, if you choose to cruise the Cheshire ring you may be going through over 90 locks in one week, and every one self-operated!

To lock safely, remember these important safety tips:

• Non swimmers must wear life jackets, whether inside or outide the boat
• Always watch the boat to see that the boat is rising evenly. If the boat tilts or snags, close all paddles to stop the lock from filling or emptying.
• Take care not to slip when walking around locks, especially in wet weather.
• Take your time and think what you are doing. Remember - you're on holiday!!!!