Day boat hire starts on the Broads

DAY Boats can once again be hired on the Broads.

Since the coronavirus pandemic started all hire on the Broads as on all other waterways was stopped, but now the Broads Authority have been told self drive day boat hire can again commence on its waters.

From a single household

Self-drive day boats, canoes and other paddle craft may be hired for the day by members of a single household or ‘support bubble’ and operators will have to fulfil requirements to observe social distancing and cleanliness guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and the public.  But of course no overnight stays.

A spokesman for the Broads Authority tells us:

"The hire boat industry has been hard hit by lockdown restrictions and whilst overnight stays, holidays, skippered hire and boat trips in the Broads cannot yet resume, families can now get back on the waterways for a few hours to enjoy the special qualities, wildlife and beauty of the Broads which will be a welcome escape from the challenges of the last few weeks."

Think about restrictions

The Authority urges anyone considering hiring a boat to think about ongoing restrictions which may require them to plan ahead by bringing drinks and picnics or finding out in advance which businesses are open. It is also wise to avoid known popular Broads hotspots so that social distancing can be maintained. Litter has been a problem in some other National Parks so visitors are urged to take litter home with them.