When using the river people are also encouraged to respect/be aware of other river users for the safety and enjoyment of all. To help reduce possible conflicts and accidents a courtesy code for the river is available.

Launching and recovery

Slipways are available to the public for launch and recovery of trailed boats. All boats must be licensed at the time of launching. Seasonal permits for launch and recovery are available.

Tidal information

Information about tidal times on the River Dee can be found on our tidal times webpage.

Lifebelts

We provide and maintain lifebelts along our owned river bank. The lifebelts are inspected weekly for condition and repaired as needed. We work hard to ensure that should you ever need to use one, a lifebelt is available and in the best condition.

If you would like to report a damaged or missing lifebelt please contact Regulatory Services using the email RegulatoryServices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or phone 0300 1238123.

Swimming in open water

Open water is not considered to be of bathing quality as it can contain sewage, livestock contamination, and pollution from farming or industry. Anyone can become unwell from swimming in open water as there will always be micro-organisms present. Because of this, we do not encourage swimming in the river Dee.

However, if you do wish to swim in the Dee we recommend that you read the Public Health England leaflet: Swim Healthy (PDF, 2MB).

Further information about river water quality can also be found on the Surfers against sewage website.

Permission to undertake works on the river Dee

We are the Navigation Authority for the River Dee between Wilcox Point (Old Dee Railway Bridge) and Shocklach Green and regulate the river under the Cheshire County Council Act 1980 and River Dee Byelaws

Section 69 of the Cheshire County Council Act 1980 requires a works licence to be in place to undertake works which involve construction, alterations, the renewal, any extension or maintenance of any works in or on the river or involving the cutting of any of the banks of the river.

Applications for a works licence must be in writing and include plans, sections and particulars of the works to be undertaken. The information should also include measures to mitigate any pollution of the river and detail how the safe navigation of the river will be maintained.

Ordinarily three months notice is required, however this notice period may be reduced for small-scale works.

Fees

Commercial undertaking £350
Domestic undertaking £150

As the River Dee is designated a 'main river', any proposed works or structures (i.e. ‘activities’), whether temporary or permanent that affect the channel and banks of the river, may require a flood risk activity permit from the Environment Agency, under the Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016.

For further advice please contact psowarrington@environment-agency.gov.uk

Where to find help

By post: Regulatory Services, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Forum, Chester CH1 2HS.
Telephone: 0300 1237737

Further information

Parks and open spaces

Events on country parks and open spaces

Parks and open spaces - Chester

Parks and open spaces - Ellesmere Port

Parks and open spaces - Northwich and Winsford

Parks and open spaces - Rural