As a member of a local rowing club for 50 years (and still training twice a week) I was appalled to read that York Canoe Club were out on rising flood water last Saturday.
When the river level subsides after a flood it leaves debris on the banks, consequently the next flood brings it down. A lot of rubbish travels under the surface and is not visible to the unsuspecting canoeist or rower.
This can end up with a paddle or oar catching the unseen obstacle, branches, etc, tipping you in, which in turn could leave you trapped under water.
I am sure there were experienced canoeists among the group that day who could cope with the conditions, but what about the rest? I hope the baby, photographed in the canoe on dry land, was not taken afloat.
The York 800 celebration flotilla on the Ouse through the city was cancelled because it was deemed too dangerous.
David J Wilde, Acomb, York.
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