Exe Water Users Code

A guide for water users on the Exe Estuary

Exe Estuary Safety

As well as being an ideal site for a wide range of Exe-pect the unexpected recreational activities, the Exe Estuary is also • Check tides, currents, wind and weather before home to an abundance of wildlife. Whilst exploring launching.* this beautiful area, please be considerate to other • Let someone ashore know your plans and expected users and wildlife. return time. This guide is aimed at all water users, from large • Always carry a suitable means of calling for help commercial boats to small kayaks. (e.g. waterproof VHF radio, mobile phone, whistle). • Carry the correct safety equipment, including a personal flotation device. Exe Estuary Navigation Byelaws Exe-plore the estuary Check for information at access points and adhere to the Navigation Byelaws (Max penalty £1,000): • Be visible: make sure lights are used at night, including for paddlesports. • Byelaw 4: Do not exceed speed limit as defined by charts and buoyage: 10 Knots Max. • Where appropriate, use launch points marked on the map. • Byelaw 4a: Power boat area: powerboating allowed in marked area when predicted tidal Exe-ist with other water users height is 3.8m or more. • Keep noise and wake to a minimum to not impact • Byelaw 5: Skiing only allowed in ski area marked upon other users and wildlife. by yellow buoys. • Access points / slipways should be kept clear • Byelaw 6: Navigate with due care and attention at all times and do not park vehicles on the and with reasonable care for others. foreshore. • Safely dispose of waste and prevent pollution * For radio checks, current weather and tides plus from your boat. live inshore waters forecasts call • Be aware of the International Regulations for National Coastwatch on Channel 65 (call sign Preventing Collisions at Sea and explore training "Exmouth NCI") or phone 01395 222492 or opportunities. tidetimes.co.uk for Exmouth Dock. Exe-clamation! • If in difficulty, stay with your craft: it provides buoyancy and extra visibility. • In an emergency dial 999 (or VHF Ch16) and ask

for the Coastguard. Prevent litter: Bin it or take it home

Avoid volunary Wildlife Refuges where safe to Watch Out do so (see map). For Wildlife Avoid areas where birds are feeding or roosting. Avoid dragging vessels through The whole of the Exe shallow water as this can Estuary is an important damage habitats. site for wildlife, including Sites of Special Scientific Choose anchoring sites carefully, Interest (SSSI) and a Special Avocet avoiding eelgrass beds. Protection Area (SPA). During winter, tens of thousands of birds depend on the Exe to rest and feed on their long migratory Enjoy watching wildlife journeys from areas as far away as Siberia. but keep a distance of Eelgrass 100m, especially from All water users, including birds gathering at high quiet, non-powered craft, water. Where practical, such as kayakers and avoiding activities two stand-up hours either side of paddleboarders, can high tide during take steps to look September to March Grey after the site and can further minimise Seal avoid disturbing birds: Dark-bellied Brent Goose disturbance to birds.

Please be aware that it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the wildlife in an SSSI or to damage or disturb land known to be an SSSI. It is also an offence to take down, damage or obstruct an SSSI notice or sign.

LOST & FOUND CRAFT Want To Know Contact the nearest mooring group or marina. Contact the coastguard in case individuals are More? overboard or missing. City Council Harbour Authority should be contacted if a vessel is a hazard to navigation. EXE ESTUARY MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP FISHERIES Exe Estuary Officer 01392 382236 and Severn Inshore Fisheries 01803 854648 and Conservation Authority 07740 175479 SAFETY/POLLUTION (D&SIFCA) Coastguard 999 or VHF Ch16 WILDLIFE HARBOUR AUTHORITY Visitor Centre 01626 863980 (River & Canal Office) Exmouth Local Nature Reserve 01395 516551 Office hours 01392 265791 Natural England – Devon Office 0300 060 3900 Out of hours emergency 0845 3511060 Injured marine mammals (BDMLR) 01825 765546 For general information www.exeter.gov.uk/waterways SEDHRP Mitigation [email protected] Officers

These codes have been produced by the Exe Estuary For further information, Exe leaflets Management Partnership and South East Devon and other codes of conduct, visit the Habitat Regulations Partnership, supported by local Exe Estuary Management Partnership users and organisations. Issue 1 - April 2018 website at www.exe-estuary.org or contact the Exe Estuary Officer at [email protected]. Exe Estuary: North Section Exe Estuary: South Section