River Canal Rescue

  • River Canal Rescue: Membership misconceptions

    River Canal Rescue: Membership misconceptions

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    Last year, River Canal Rescue responded to 123 major incidents – emergency situations involving mainly grounded boats – and 2057 general call-outs (minor incidents) – for electrical, fuel and engine issues, flat batteries, over-heating and gear box failures etc. That’s over 40 call-outs a week. While the majority of call-outs were covered by RCR’s membership…

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  • Chip pan fire on the Grand Union

    Chip pan fire on the Grand Union

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    River Canal Rescue was recently called out to the Grand Union canal, Wolverton area, to raise what was left of a narrowboat, following a chip pan fire.  During the re-float, a witness to the incident told RCR engineers he went to help the owner, who was unhurt. No pets were onboard. RCR managing director, Stephanie…

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  • Tree strike at Wolseley Bridge

    Tree strike at Wolseley Bridge

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    On Saturday 27 June, River Canal Rescue engineer, Jake Mullen, was called to bridge 70 (Wolseley Bridge, near Rugeley, Stafford) on the Trent & Mersey Canal, after an oak tree crashed onto nb Marcellus. The tree had fallen from the opposite side of the towpath, landing on the boat, causing major damage and blocking the…

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  • RCR offers £100 discount on July/August courses

    RCR offers £100 discount on July/August courses

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    River Canal Rescue is offering a £100 discount to those who book a place on its two-day diesel engine and boat maintenance course running on 22-23 July and 19-20 August. Held at its Stafford HQ, the £300 course (now £200), covers how to maintain diesel engines and the systems within a narrowboat, such as propulsion,…

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  • River Canal Rescue in Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes

    River Canal Rescue in Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes

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    Look out for River Canal Rescue (RCR) in the new episodes of Channel 4’ Narrow Escapes, airing from Monday 1 June at 4pm. The breakdown and emergency assistance firm features throughout the first week of the series, which after broadcast can be viewed on Channel 4’s streaming service. A film crew followed RCR engineers during two…

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  • Historic passenger vessel offered free in last-chance rescue appeal

    Historic passenger vessel offered free in last-chance rescue appeal

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    A last-ditch plea has been issued to save St George, a once elegant 1935 passenger vessel now lying in poor condition at Willow Moorings, Kegworth. The 58ft craft, whose long career has spanned pleasure cruising, wartime service and a starring role in the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Pageant, is being offered free to a good home…

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  • WaterNav extends online

    WaterNav extends online

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    River Canal Rescue has launched a web version of its free mapping tool – WaterNav – enabling its 15,000+ users to route plan and search data on more devices, instead of relying solely on the smartphone app. Previously, inland waterway navigations were only available to view and route plan on the WaterNav app, which due…

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  • RCR helps boaters manage rising costs

    RCR helps boaters manage rising costs

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    As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households across the UK, River Canal Rescue (RCR) says its Replacement Parts Cover (RPC) is helping boaters keep expenses under control. Included as standard with RCR’s bronze, silver and gold memberships, RPC covers both the cost of specified replacement parts and labour following sudden, unforeseen mechanical…

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  • Stafford Riverway Link to host open weekend

    Stafford Riverway Link to host open weekend

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    The Stafford Riverway Link (SRL) community group will host an open weekend on 16–17 May, from 10am to 5pm, inviting visitors to learn more about its restoration efforts and future plans. The free event will take place on land off Baswich Lane in Stafford, near bridge 101 on the Staffs & Worcs Canal and opposite…

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  • River Canal Rescue course date reminder

    River Canal Rescue course date reminder

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    River Canal Rescue still has places on its two-day diesel engine and boat maintenance courses, running at its Stafford HQ on 18/19 February, plus 4/5 and 18/19 March. The course covers how to maintain diesel engines and the systems within a narrowboat, such as propulsion, cooling, engine servicing and fault finding, and will be led…

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  • After the breach: community rallies as canal faces year of repairs

    After the breach: community rallies as canal faces year of repairs

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    INTRO: The devastating breach on the Llangollen Canal left boats destroyed, dozens stranded, and families displaced, but the generous response from the boating world and beyond has been heartwarming – as it is expected to take most of 2026 to reinstate the waterway. MORE than £100,000 has been raised to support the three boaters whose…

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  • WIN!! a year’s subscription (delivery) to Towpath Talk

    WIN!! a year’s subscription (delivery) to Towpath Talk

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    To celebrate River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary this year, managing director Stephanie Horton, has been giving away prizes each month. In this issue, 10 Towpath Talk readers can win a year’s free subscription, worth £22 each if paying by Direct Debit. This means you’d get Towpath Talk delivered, to you! RCR is a regular contributor to Towpath Talk, so…

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  • WIN! A narrowboat engine maintenance and repair book

    WIN! A narrowboat engine maintenance and repair book

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    TO celebrate River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary, managing director Stephanie Horton is giving away prizes every month, throughout the year. In November, 13 Towpath Talk readers can win a copy of Stephanie’s book, Narrow Boat Engine Maintenance and Repair, worth £20 each. This practical guide details everything you need to know about how to keep…

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  • WIN a place on an RCR maintenance course

    WIN a place on an RCR maintenance course

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    To celebrate River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary, managing director Stephanie Horton is giving away prizes every month, throughout the year. In October, Towpath Talk readers can win a place on one of RCR’s boat and engine maintenance courses, worth £315. The two-day course covers how to maintain diesel engines and the systems within a narrowboat,…

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