CANAL & RIVER TRUST is looking to recruit more volunteers to take on the iconic role of lock keeper in Yorkshire, as it prepares for a busy summer on the region’s waterways.
With fuel prices soaring and ongoing uncertainty around international flights, UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to rediscover one of Britain’s most charming travel experiences—the classic canal boat holiday—and the trust is appealing for volunteers to help keep Yorkshire’s waterways running smoothly.
Invaluable service
Lock keepers have been part of waterway life for hundreds of years and today volunteers provide an invaluable service in helping boaters through locks and lending a hand to Canal & River Trust colleagues who look after the canals, with the trust telling with many people enjoying their local towpaths as a place to walk and relax, lock keeper volunteers also play a key role in welcoming people and giving local information about the area.
Some of the places where the trust is looking to recruit volunteers to operate locks are the Tinsley Flight on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal and on the South Yorkshire Navigation in the Rotherham, Mexborough, Swinton and Doncaster areas. They are also looking for tidal lock keepers at West Stockwith and Keadby Lock, (pictured) ideal roles for those who already have some boating and lock operation knowledge and who would like to further understand tidal operation. And for those interested in helping guide freight barges through locks, there are opportunities in the Wakefield area.
On a shift basis
Volunteer lock keepers assist the trust on a shift basis between April and October, while many stay on over the winter months to help the charity as it looks after the nation’s waterways. Full training will be provided and people of all ages (over 18) and experiences are encouraged to apply.
Sean McGinley, regional director at Canal & River Trust, tells:
“It promises to be a busy year on our waterways with boaters heading out onto the water and people taking the opportunity to book boating holidays. Our volunteer lock keepers play a key role in keeping things running smoothly and helping visitors and boaters with their local knowledge, with the opportunity to chat with people face-to-face in the great outdoors.
“Volunteering at the Trust is open to everyone, it is flexible and offers a rewarding experience where you can really make a difference. Those who help our charity are doing something positive for their local community, connecting, meeting new friends, and making a big difference to the canals and rivers that matter to them.
“You don’t necessarily need experience of boating or working on the waterways, the most important things we’re looking for are enthusiasm, willingness to learn and a friendly manner. It’s a wonderful opportunity to keep the tradition of lock keeping alive.”
It is told this appeal comes in a record year for volunteering for Canal & River Trust, with over three quarters of a million hours donated by more than 8,000 volunteers across its 2,000 miles of waterways during 2025/26, adding to the scope and scale of what the charity can achieve.