If you run into trouble on the river and need assistance it can often be difficult, especially in the more rural stretches, to know exactly where you are.

The River Ouse Safety Advisory Group have developed an emergency response plan for the river Ouse within the City of York Area which identifies locations on both banks which are agreed by the emergency services as suitable for them to access in order to assist river users.

These locations are identified by yellow signs with a red border and a number in the centre. As you travel up or down our river, please take time to note which signs you pass. In this way, should you have an emergency and need to summon assistance, you can inform the emergency services of the last sign you passed and whether you are up or downstream from it.

Each service has a copy of the plan, knows the location of the points and can therefore direct their officers accordingly.