Code of Good Practice: Non Motorised Boating

As part of our commitment to advancing sustainable tourism, we encourage our tourism partners to improve their sustainability performance by providing them with the guidance below.

• Ensure applicable legal permits & permission to access activity area are in place
• Ensure insurance is in place for guests & team
• Identify health & safety risks, implement management systems, and provide appropriate safety equipment
• Ensure enough team members are available in case of emergency
• Monitor activity area conditions (including weather) in advance & during activity
• Be familiar with activity area and ensure that navigation & communication tools are in good working order
• Maximize local economic benefits through employment & purchasing
• Avoid single use & disposable items, pack out what you take in, and pick up any rubbish found along the way
• Use eco-friendly products, e.g., to clean equipment
• Be waterwise and take pro-active measures to use water sparingly
• Minimize energy used in the activity as part of a climate action strategy
• Provide information in advance about your sustainability actions, activity accessibility, what to expect, and what to bring with
• Screen participants ahead of time to make sure that the activity is well suited to their fitness & level of ability
• Manage group size to minimize impacts on people & the planet, and ensuring suitable guide: participant ratio
• Obtain written confirmation, e.g., via indemnity, that participants are aware of activity risks
• Brief participants before the activity starts about do’s and don’ts, safety, what to expect, logistics, conduct (e.g., safe and effective boat handling, entering / exiting boats, & what to do if your boat capsizes), and minimising environmental impacts
• Share information about local nature & culture, as well as social development / conservation projects that participants may want to support
• Show respect for the land, waterways, wildlife, and other users in the activity area
• Launch boats at designated put-in points only and stick to established trails for portaging
• Moor & anchor boats with least environmental impact
• Avoid sensitive riverbanks/shorelines where wildlife may be nesting or breeding
• Remain on designated paths when portaging boats; if portaging around whitewater / low water areas, ensure minimal damage is cause to banks / shores & vegetation
• Repair & compensate for any damage caused to the activity area
• Participate in conserving activity area integrity; notify authorities of concerns and participate in rehabilitation projects