I too noticed all those volunteer lock keepers at Sawley Mechanical Locks, though there were just two to turn the key when we went down on to the Trent.
As a fairly regular user I noticed that there were now two new notices stating that ropes must be used at all times, which is also ridiculous as this is not only about the easiest lock on the system to operate but the safest as the water is let in rather slowly, and going down the boat never moves an inch!
Even going up if you have your boat at the front of the lock opposite from where the water comes in, it will stick to the wall like glue, so the notices about having to use ropes is just the excuse for having the totally unnecessary volunteers, as there is no need for ropes whatsoever.
Jane Crowder