Staying safe on the water

Paddle boarding during the Fell Foot Outdoor Festival on Lake Windermere at Fell Foot, Cumbria — Paddle boarding on Lake Windermere at Fell Foot, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Fell Foot park is a busy place attracting a wide range of water users including kayakers, paddleboarders, rowers and recreational boaters. This page has some tips for how to prepare and stay safe on the water.

Top Water Safety Tips

Check the weather before heading out
Always bring a friend—don’t go alone
Wear a flotation device or buoyancy aid
Attach your leash if paddleboarding
Be visible: wear a bright cap or tow float
Stay close to the shore
Watch out for other water users
Don’t drink and paddle

If you choose to get into the water please be sensible, follow safety advice and know your limits. It is important to be aware of the risks involved before entering the water. The water in the Lake District remains cold, even on a hot summer’s day and this can lead to cold water shock.

Key things to know and do

Along the foreshore at Fell Foot there is a boat channel, look out for a series of red and yellow buoys which mark the deeper water channel for bigger boats.

Please keep an eye out for boats approaching and ensure you stay out of their way as they can only manoeuvre in the deeper water channel.

Also slightly north, look out for the seasonal Fell Foot to Lakeside ferry which regularly crosses back and forth the lake.
Please be aware that during autumn and winter we often see higher water levels in the lake which can make for more challenging conditions. GoPaddle's - 10 Tips for paddling in winter.

In the summer low water levels create different challenges, find out how to deal with these in GoPaddle's article – Paddling in Low Water Levels

Make sure you have the right skills and equipment to stay safe in the water.

Please read water safety advice boards at Fell Foot when you visit.
If there’s an emergency, keep calm.

Call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Don’t jump in.

Use throwlines or floating aids and if you can, guide them to safety, but never put yourself at risk.
If you are going on the water on paddleboard, boat, other watercraft follow this advice to help prevent the spread of invasives in our waterways.

Check your equipment, boat, and clothing after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.

Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access. Use hot water if possible.

Dry everything for as long as you can before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions.

For more practical tips, video and resources head to the NNSS website.

Kayak and Paddleboard Safety Talks

Daily 19 July to 31 August, 10.30am (lasting about 20 minutes)
Location: Southern slipway, near children’s play area

Join Stoked Watersports for free, drop-in talks on how to enjoy the water safely. Learn rescue tips, what to wear, and how to reduce your environmental impact. Perfect for families—no booking needed!

Outdoor activity providers

One way to experience the lake is to go with an outdoor activity provider. Take a look at the watersports page to find out more about what's on offer from Stoked Watersports, Mere Mountains, Lake District White Water Rafting, and Anyone Can.