this section is on Floods and how to deal with them
We all know from the newspapers and television reports that rivers flood and having a boat on the river it is something that boat owners have to deal with and be prepared for, the river level in the Nene can rise quite quickly and as PYC is on the lower stretch of the river we do get fast moving water and high water levels as the entire Nene valley and some of the canals discharge flood water past our site on route to the sea.
Mercifully the larger floods are not that frequent at PYC and members have had boats moored on site for several years without ever seeing floods which can lead to complacency.
Every time we have flooding volunteers patrol the site and every time there are boats that need attending to in order that they don't sink or break loose, this work can be extremely hazardous and the risk would be vastly reduced if all boats were moored in a manner to accommodate a rise in water levels and, in such a way that the boat will not collide with other boats or end up over the land when the water levels return to normal.
Being prepared is not that difficult and quite often it is as simple as thinking "are my ropes too tight", if you have any doubts at all please speak to a committee member who will give you advice or direct you to someone who can help, there are many members on the club who have been dealing with this problem for many years and would rather give you advice on a sunny day or in the clubroom over a pint than wade through freezing winter flood water to rescue your boat.
The clubs advice is not to go on site during floods, but below are a few thing you should consider should you decide to do so.
* Do not attempt to drive on site, I have seen 4x4 vehicles rescued because the water is too deep on the entrance road.
* WEAR A LIFE-JACKET, automatic ones are cheap and do not hinder your movement.
* Do not expect your garden wellingtons to keep you dry, the water can easily overtop these and cold water can be very dangerous to health, there have been times when waders are not high enough .
* Do not go on site alone, during floods you will find members entering the club via Orton lock and the marina, these are usually the members who have done this several times and know where the hidden dangers are.
Below are some images of the site during November 2012. (click on picture to begin)
Mercifully the larger floods are not that frequent at PYC and members have had boats moored on site for several years without ever seeing floods which can lead to complacency.
Every time we have flooding volunteers patrol the site and every time there are boats that need attending to in order that they don't sink or break loose, this work can be extremely hazardous and the risk would be vastly reduced if all boats were moored in a manner to accommodate a rise in water levels and, in such a way that the boat will not collide with other boats or end up over the land when the water levels return to normal.
Being prepared is not that difficult and quite often it is as simple as thinking "are my ropes too tight", if you have any doubts at all please speak to a committee member who will give you advice or direct you to someone who can help, there are many members on the club who have been dealing with this problem for many years and would rather give you advice on a sunny day or in the clubroom over a pint than wade through freezing winter flood water to rescue your boat.
The clubs advice is not to go on site during floods, but below are a few thing you should consider should you decide to do so.
* Do not attempt to drive on site, I have seen 4x4 vehicles rescued because the water is too deep on the entrance road.
* WEAR A LIFE-JACKET, automatic ones are cheap and do not hinder your movement.
* Do not expect your garden wellingtons to keep you dry, the water can easily overtop these and cold water can be very dangerous to health, there have been times when waders are not high enough .
* Do not go on site alone, during floods you will find members entering the club via Orton lock and the marina, these are usually the members who have done this several times and know where the hidden dangers are.
Below are some images of the site during November 2012. (click on picture to begin)
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Click on the link below for IWA mooring advice