Skip to main content

Classification of Waters

  1. All waters used for Scouting activities must be classified as C, B1, B2, B3 or A in accordance Rule 9.44b.

  2. Water class definitions:
    • Class C - safe inland waters which are less than 100m wide where flow causes little effect (including swimming pools)
    • Class B1 - sheltered inland waters and other sheltered water where currents and tides create no real danger
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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.
  3. This rule is intentionally left blank

    The National Directory of Waters is available online to read.