Classification of waters

Water
class C

Safe inland waters which are less than 100m wide where flow causes little effect (including swimming pools).

Water
class B1

Sheltered inland waters and other sheltered waters where currents and tides create no real danger.

Water
class B2

The sea up to one mile from the shore but excluding more dangerous waters close inshore; more sheltered parts of estuaries; large inland lakes and lochs; inland waters British Canoeing Grade 2.

Water
class B3

The sea up to three miles from the shore but excluding more dangerous waters close inshore; busy commercial ports, exposed parts of estuaries; inland waters British Canoeing Grade 3.

Water
class A

Open sea more than three miles from the shore, and other dangerous waters close inshore; inland waters British Canoeing Grade 4 and above.