Download the River Bann Users' Guide (1.4MB PDF)
Powered water sports activity (speedboating, water-skiing and jet-skiing) can be enjoyed on the river but participants have to be especially careful and avoid conflict with other river users. It is recommended that powered craft users gain a formal qualification. Powerboaters using public slipways are expected to observe the following conditions of use.
It is a condition of use that all users of powered craft launching from slips should register with Waterways Ireland and the Council, the National Trust or other slipway operator and carry third party insurance, display a registration number on both sides of the craft and adhere to codes of good practice provided for the Lower Bann. Failure to adhere to conditions of use may result in exclusion. More detailed information on watersports zones and local conditions of use is available at slipways and from the phone numbers shown at each site.
The River is navigable from Lough Neagh to the sea. Coleraine Harbour Commissioners (telephone 028 7034 2012) and Waterways Ireland (telephone 028 7034 4342) are the navigation authorities from the sea to the Millennium Footbridge, and from the Millennium Footbridge to Toome respectively. There are five locks along the river, manned by lock-keepers who are on duty from 8am to 6pm (8am to 8pm during June, July and August). Pleasure craft are charged £1.00 for each lock passage. As far as practicable, the river is maintained at a minimum depth of 1.5m, but owners of boats with a draught of more than 1m who are not familiar with the river, are advised to contact Waterways Ireland. Information on locks, water levels and navigation can be obtained from the same number. Water levels in the river are man-managed through sluice gates operation. Flows and levels can change dramatically and quickly along the length of the river, independently of local weather conditions. NOTE: The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea apply on this Waterway. Seaplanes may be encountered.
The river is used by cruising boats, anglers, canoeists, rowers, water-skiers and others. To ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the rivers, please observe the following General Code of Conduct.
Leave No Trace is an Outdoors Ethics Education Programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Lower Bann Partnership endorses the principles of Leave No Trace:
For more information visit www.leavenotraceireland.org
ENJOYMENT OF THE RIVER IN 1986
Ahoghill Young Farmers Club
The Kubota mini tractor and matching slurry tanker (clean/empty!) was adapted by the Ahoghill Young Farmers Club in August 1986 to float on the Bann as a charity fund-raising stunt. The total weight was about 1/2 tonne and propulsion was mainly via a PTO-driven propeller at the rear of the tanker. The unit was driven into the Bann at New Ferry on its wheels until it started to float. Then it was driven / piloted to Hutcinson's Quay at Kilrea using a combination of four-wheel drive and its propeller. At Hutchinson's quay it was simply driven out of the water using its four-wheel drive - much to the surprise of the hundreds of spectators. This stage of the journey took 6 hours and raised £6,000 for Muscular Dystrophy and Diabetes research. Some weeks later it was re-entered at Portna locks and piloted in a similar manner to Coleraine Marina to raise a further £4,000 for the Parish Church repair fund at Kilrea. The tractor suffered no adverse effects from its 30 mile voyage!