The Canal & River Trust – the new charity responsible for the nation's waterways - is asking people who enjoy its towpaths to take extra care as the cold and icy weather descends on Gloucestershire.
Towpaths, bridges and lock-sides can become slippery at this time of year and snow can conceal boat mooring rings and ropes which, unless people are paying attention, can be easy to trip over.
Whilst frozen canals look beautiful no-one should ever attempt to walk on or test the thickness of the ice, it said.
The trust said young children should kept within sight and made aware of the importance of staying away from the edge. Dog walkers are advised to keep dogs on leads during a freeze, and never follow their animal on to the ice.
Canal & River Trust's message for visitors is to stay SAFE by Staying Away From the Edge. For more information on water safety, or on places to enjoy on our inland waterways, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk. Safety resources are available to download from our educational website: www.wow4water.net/. RoSPA provides comprehensive advice on safety around the water and information and education packs can be found on its website www.rospa.com/index.htm.