River Conditions Winter 2016

Cambridge Winter 

Christmas and New Year have come and gone, the colder weather has set in, and life returns to normal. The river has unfortunately not returned to normal.

As some of you may have noticed, for the last couple of days we have been closed. Although the sun is still shining and the river looks peaceful enough, there is much more happening under the surface. During the last couple of weeks Cambridge has endured a considerable amount of rain. When large amounts of rain fall during a short period of time there is a greater force of water that needs a place to go. It’s just like turning on a tap, the more water there is means more pressure and more pressure means a faster speed.

The Speed of the river is measured by meters per second (MPS). When the speed reaches above 0.4mps the river is deemed unsafe to allow self-hired boats onto the river. When the speed is above 0.8mps it is then deemed unsafe for chauffeured punts to be on the river. This past week the river had reached an incredible speed of 2.2mps, which is impossible to punt in.

Even when the river is within the right speed range, there is also the issue of temperature. If the temperature drops below 5 degrees it is then not safe to have our self-hired punts out on the river. For the last two weeks our chauffeurs have taken the necessary precautions of wearing lifejackets, appropriate clothing, and even asking the help of an extra punter. For the safety of our customers and the chauffeurs pushing the boats it is agreed that the river needs time to return to normal.

Although we are not able to share the amazing experience of the college backs with everyone who visits Cambridge this winter, it won’t be long at all before we are fully operating as normal.

Safety First!