Windermere, Ambleside & District
Angling Association

Simpson Ground

There are three boats for members use at Simpson Ground; two lightweight Walker Bay boats and one older, heavier fibreglass boat.  Use of these boats is conditional upon members adopting the following safety procedures.

1) The boats are for single person use only.
2) Lifejackets must be worn. You are required to provide your own.
3) The Walker Bay boats may only be used when two boats are out on the water and members employ a ‘buddy’ system.
4) Anglers who go out on the water alone must only use the green boat.

Any member found to have ignored these conditions will immediately forfeit their membership of the association.

Following a serious incident earlier this year please note :

Pick up the buoy by drifting down on to it from upwind and lift it in to the boat to tie on using the bow rope. Do not loop the mooring rope around the rowlocks.
Keep at least 25 yards distance from the dam wall.

In the event of capsize
If you have capsized – stay with the boat. They have built in buoyancy and will not sink. Alert your ‘buddy’ and wait for him to arrive. Do not try to enter his boat – instead you should abandon your boat, hold the stern of his boat and lie flat in the water while you are towed to shore.

Green Boat
The older green boat is left chained and in the water. It will invariably need bailing before you start and a bailing bucket is kept in the locker along with wooden oars.

Kentmere Tarn Boat

The association provides a small boat for members use on the larger lake only. The use of this boat is conditional upon members adopting the following safety procedures.

1) The boat is for single person use only.
2) Lifejackets must be worn. You are required to provide your own.

Any member found to have ignored these conditions will immediately forfeit their membership of the association.

General safety.

While the lake is fairly narrow and sheltered there are still inherent risks in the use of small boats - particularly in early season when water temperatures are low. You must excercise your own judgement especially if you are alone on the fishery or in high winds or similiar poor weather conditions. If in doubt - stay on the bank!

Do not stand up in the boat to fish - not only is it dangerous but it's also very amateurish.

Please report any loss or damage to the boat and equipment immediately.

Boat use on Thirlmere.

WADAA members may launch their own boats on Thirlmere. Members are also permitted to use electric outboards providing they have registered their boat with the Association and display their registration number.

Thirlmere is a large, cold lake and often subject to bad weather and high winds. Boat users should be experienced and competant and your boat must be able to cope with adverse conditions. Very few boats use the lake and you cannot rely on assistance in the event of difficulties. Monitor the weather forecast and weather changes carefully and leave yourself plenty of margin for a hasty retreat if conditions deteriorate.