AM I SAFE? SOLO FEMALE safety on a NARROWBOAT

One FAQ I get asked a lot "is it safe?". In this video I explain what I do to feel safe as a solo female boater.
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[@acedia4453]

Just dont post same day videos showing your exact location. Wait until you've moved on to post.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Deffo!

[@bbqnh50]

From a fellow boater, on the subject of your safety it may be worth wherever you moor that you find out “What Three Words” relate to your location because you never know when you need to contact the emergency services it’ll make it easier for them to find you.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey John, yeah thank you. It's always a good one to know 😊

[@MaritimeFox]

I quoted my what 3 words location to Cheshire police and they didn't know what it was, how to view it and even when I quoted the bridges I was between they were clueless. In the end they said they had no cars in the area 🙄

[@RiminiVirage]

Unfortunately “what three words” is only used by a certain number of constabularies and 999 response centres up and down the country. Seems ridiculous given how useful that app is.

[@Joanna-gg4qx]

@@MaritimeFox Hopefully they’ve found out about it now since your query :) I wouldn’t worry about it, soon they’ll all be up to date with enough people using it.

[@Artistic_Exploits]

When I found your channel, I had no idea what an impact it would make. I mayn't even describe it: Inspiring? Comforting? Soothing? Enriching? Amusing? All of the above. And so much more. Your life is as far from mine as a sherpa's is from a desert nomad. But maybe that's why I'm hooked: some lost passages that I might have taken, branching out for you in your journey. Thank you for being here, and sharing your life. It means so much more than I can say. Merry Christmas, May. I'm wishing you the best of everything.

[@wellbeingonwater]

This is such a lovely comment, it really touched my heart. Thank you 😃

[@MaritimeFox]

Sound advice. I think the fear of crime is greater than the frequency of it. I had one incident where lads were knocking items off boats on the Middlewich branch. On their return one of them stepped into my well deck. I was ready for them and burst out my front doors. Even though there were more than 5 of them, the fright they got made them run off. It completely changed the dynamic. That's not to say that I wasn't scared. My heart was racing. Thankfully, after 3 years of cruising, that was the only incident. There are so many great people on the cut looking out for each other.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Totally! Thanks for your comment 😄

[@steveelkins52]

Motion sensor alarm and flashing lights inside the boat for when you are away won't save you from a break-in, but may save you from getting ransacked.

[@RobboUTFT]

May did say she always moores near other boats, combine that with a loud alarm and it massively deters break-ins

[@wellbeingonwater]

If someone wants to get in, they will get in!

[@musoseven8218]

Happy New Year ✌️👍🥂✨🍻💜 My friends have the boat out of water every two years for hull coatings and checks. Bilge pump is a must. The courses/certs sound like a good idea too. You've covered off all the other on boat issues by the sound of it - prudent. Insurance companies don't need much of an excuse to NOT payout. You're very smart, I guess cheap WiFi cameras might help (if your not worried about tptb spying on you😳🙄✌️😄), but you'd need UPS etc. Your work around seems good though. A poster mentioned using the What Three Words location finder - I think that's a good idea too. Another poster said, post your videos after you've moved on too. Have immobilisers, locks, security without making your home a prison/oppressive. As you say bright lights etc help too. Try not to focus on it as you say, just be practical. You're right, like attracts like, hard lesson to learn but seems true to me. Oh and don't stand close to edge when it's frozen thin ice😳😳😳👍👍 I think that you've struck the right balance 👍😊😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey! Thanks for your comment. Full of great advice 😄

[@scottnever8732]

well done you love that you dont use people for you're own advantage

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Scott. Yeah never been drawn to using people! Unless they have LOADS of money 😉😉

[@pumpjackpiddlewick]

I love that you are smart and thoughtful about your safety without letting it overwhelm you. When I have and do travel it is the most common question and concern. So it is nice to be able to have some safety measures in place for not only our own piece of mind, but theirs as well. Very interesting video as always. Have a happy holiday!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey lovely, thank you for your sweet comment. Yes absolutely, theres no point worrying over safety but good to have a plan :) Have a merry merry christmas x

[@moffatt43]

Hi May. Couple of suggestions for you, if you can get a cheap security light you can rig it up to a recording of a Dog…the outside lights come on and Dog barks and that scares most people because they are probably expecting the Boat to be vacant. When mooring leave a gap between your Boat and the Bank and use a gangplank which you take up at night,if they think they have to jump onto the boat rather than just step onto it that would put them off. Mooring ropes should be going from the boat to the pin or chain etc and then back to the boat and tied on… if they have to step onto the boat to undo the rope they probably won’t bother ( if someone is walking past the boat and sees the boat tied onto the pin they might undo it ). Completely different Tip here is for cheap heating/firewood….approach cafes etc and ask them what they do with their old coffee grounds ( many just throw it away ) but some coffee shops recycle the coffee grounds into Coffee Logs and you could do this yourself because they are so simple to make and of course they smell absolutely delicious. The Mould for the Coffee Bricks/Briquettes are easy to make yourself ! Just a idea !. Hide your cameras in the Flower pots ( what some people do is put fake ones that are easily visible but then hide the real ones ! ). The easiest way to prevent people from getting on your Boat is Signs saying that you have CCTV Surveillance. A fire extinguisher is a excellent personal defence against someone on board who isn’t invited as it will disorient and give you time to make your exit or if necessary whack them with it. I used to tell my Girlfriend to carry a small tin of deodorant in her car side pocket and in her handbag as a good self defence tool. Obviously these days there are Personal security devices but you can’t beat deodorant in someone’s face for stopping them in their tracks and of course one of the best forms of defence is to run away ( the deodorant gives you time to do just that while the attacker is worried about their eyes !! ). It’s just something that you had to hand and found in your pocket or handbag or car in which to defend yourself !!!!. Love your Videos and hopefully you never have to worry about Security etc but always better to be prepared,especially these days. You sound like you know a lot about protecting yourself and your a pretty capable young Lady with a good head on her shoulders and you always seem to express that you have plenty of Common Sense with regard to life etc. I think that’s one of the most important things these days,having common sense and being able to understand situations and avoid the bad situations. Anyway Love your videos and work. ❤

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Leonard, I read your comment with ease and felt grateful for your ideas and tips. I find safety stuff to be a little conflicting as I don't like to think about it but you're right it's good to be prepared. The fire extinguisher is a brill idea as I have one at the side of my bed anyway! I feel safe and avoid cities/towns. Thanks again for your comment, one of the only safety related ones I've been able to read all the way through without an emotional reaction of some kind! Maybe I'm just more receptive today! Thanks again ☺️

[@dingnextstop]

As a fellow boater of 23 Years livaboard I agree with other comments that you should be careful “ what you say/reveal etc… most of us are 100% trustworthy but as in life there are those who are not, as a tip you can never have too many locks on boat, equipment etc, always have a charged phone ready in case of emergency, “try” to moor somewhere near other boaters and lastly “ always have some sort of “deterrent” to hand just in case” good luck and enjoy it 👍🏻

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Andrew 😄

[@annhay4572]

Wow, "cool" icy morning video. 🙂 Excellent coverage of boat safety topics. Of course, as you know and so thoroughly cover, is also a single boater's personal safety, maybe especially a woman's, but also single men are subject to intruders and such too. In my camping trailer, I keep a LOUD portable air horn next to my bed. I had that system permanently wired into my boat as my boat horn, as most boaters do in the USA. But now when camping on land, I keep three small canisters of that same air horn, just a small portable compressed air horn, next to my bed and next to my camper trailer's front door. If one of those canisters were to be "fired" into someone's ear, that person would be deaf at least temporarily and maybe permanently and it would hurt like hell. Those air horn canisters are a great deterrent, are inexpensive, and easily stored. A bright torch too helps a lot, but it won't alert your neighbors ... whereas an air horn will call everyone within hearing to your assistance. Ah, yes, a lock-out on your engine starting system is a great idea. And a GPS tracker system ... I have one on my pickup truck and another on my camping caravan/trailer. Yes, sealant to hold those lights on, or velcro. Wow that stand-alone solar electric video recording device Realink sounds excellent. I'm going to look into that for my camper/caravan. And yes, after you have made your boat and yourself as safe as is reasonably possible, let it go, let it go, and ... go boating! 🙂 Thank you May!

[@tsy476]

You are such a little Diamond Brave and full of life, well done you 💖

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Paul :)

[@jamesfletcher279]

Stick your light on with Gripfill silicone won’t hold for long great videos keep them coming

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the tip 😄

[@LiamFrench]

Hi May, Happy Christmas. The camera might be the easiest thing that someone might take. It might better placed inside the boat angled out some window. But not sure how you would get the solar if sun does not come through the window. Take care, I only have a kayak in Ireland but I enjoy your videos.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Liam! Thanks for your comment. Im so glad you enjoy the videos. Wouldnt that be ironic if the someone stole the camera!

[@CatWyllie-Fox]

Great video and I hate to say it but I had the same thought - somebody could easily push your flower pot off with the camera on it into the cut but I’m definitely going to have a look at the Riolink for my own Boat and as stated, I think it might be better indoors. You could still have the solar panel outdoors. I’ve got that arrangement with some lights! Xx

[@martinsorra6529]

Sadly here on the east coast of Canada in Nova Scotia we have no such canal system and i am so envious. What a wonderful lifestyle. It's work but worth it. So to the wonders of you tube algorithms your channel was brought to me, probably due to endless hours of watching the channel Cruising The Cut. I would love to try a narrow boat life. Great video :)

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Martin! You have great taste in YT entertainment! really glad to have you. here, I hope you enjoy the other vids. P.s I'm jealous of your mountains!

[@Cariboukid]

Strap on! 🤣 Living where I do I'll never own a Narrowboat but I find the lifestyle fascinating. Keep up with the great videos!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks 😆

[@IrelandRider]

Definitely a cold start to the day, I bet you enjoyed your 1st hot drink ☕️. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year 🎉

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Rich! Yes needed to warm my hands up! Have a great christmas too :)

[@michaelbrennan4137]

Hi May, you made a great video and as another who lives on a boat and has had an intruder jump on the lighting is really important. It does deter people and alerts you too. If your boat is magnetic you could use rare earth magnets to hold them on. Glue them to the light or even self adhesive magnetic tape. I'm going to check out the camera as it's a great idea, thanks for sharing that. Have an amazing Christmas 🙂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Ooo brilliant! Thanks for these tips 😃

[@charityariverpixie998]

May I’m really loving your videos , I’ve lived on all kinds of boats and had such amazing happy times , even the yuk bits I look back on with affection ( eg frozen kettle in the morning , diesel heating blowing out in the night , frozen toilet …….. ) . I really admire your courage to do all the things ….. service your engine , your Rayburn etc these are not small things and I remember well the anxiety of these things but then the sense of achievement. I’m sometimes tempted to get another boat ( I’m now a young at heart 52 yr old ) but I may well have done my boating time . I home educated my son for some of his childhood and it is such a beautiful life , thanks for taking me on your journey and at the same time down memory lane ❤️ xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Awe this is lovely charity! I love to hear others adventures and stories too so thank you for sharing xx

[@catyear75]

You’re smart , capable ,and well organized. Those are very important points in your favor when it comes to overall safety . Wishing you a Merry Christmas May!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to yooooou too :)

[@aniabrandt7]

I know one lady that lives on narrow boat like u and great thing that she has is a radiators throughout the boat and boiler but all connected to the fireplace which u all really have

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Anna, this is brilliant 😄

[@s1nb4d59]

Your going to be fine may,your positive outlook will carry you through as we all should have,never stop loving your gorgeous lifestyle you have on the canals hun,even when you can draw hearts in the frost on cold mornings 8),im so jelly of you,hi from new zealand,with no canal boats.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey from NZ! You might not have canals but you do have some epic scenery! Life swap sometime?! Take care

[@s1nb4d59]

@@wellbeingonwater We could make a deal 8) just stay warm may,i would try to send you some of our summer over but its been raining alot lately,take care meanwhile and keep those videos coming.

[@2KXMKR]

Hoping to get afloat myself in the future and, being from a notoriously high crime city, have been thinking a lot about security. One thing I thought of but have never seen any boater use are trail cameras. Just in case anything does happen, you can strap a well hidden camera to a nearby tree or two to give you a nice view of your boat. They're motion activated and the batteries last for a very long time. When you're ready to move on just unstrap them and take them with you. I don't think anyone would think of checking the nearby scenery for witnesses if they were up to no good.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yeah great idea, you gotta do whatever makes you feel safe

[@geoffreypearson8548]

Thank you for your Christmas wishes. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas too.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks so much, Merry Christmas to you :)

[@shootindriver]

we really enjoyed this video, with your friends onboard with you, thank you May. your singing was really lovely to hear.We can't wait until your next Vlog.Stay safe Marion & Glenn XX

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thank you so much lovely people xx

[@tombombadil4908]

Bars n the windows that fold down, and you lift up click into a locking mechanism at night and you draw the curtains infront to make it look nicer :D

[@wellbeingonwater]

Nice thought!

[@tombombadil4908]

@@wellbeingonwater safety be paramount! Selling my flat today and moving into temp accom, got land coming and log cabins, going to buld a coommunal log csbin area with a BBQ hut first while i renovate the boat to my specifications :) You can moor up and use my war-zone internet wifi and recharge your batteries, grab some dieseil and pick up some eggs if you want, i wont be able to be able to eat them all haha, ill chuck them at you from the canal side as you pass by Well not chuck, maybe a big stick with a bag on the end full of eggs lol, until i can get my drone to get working and fly eggs to people lol

[@nickvaughan4069]

May , don't worry about it life is to short but you have done the right things on the boat , have a wonderful Xmas with your family may x🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Nick :)

[@andykmasmith8695]

Love what you're doing with your life.....on continuous watch.....

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks Andy 😁

[@iankynaston-richards883]

Hi May. It doesn't always feel like it, but you are far safer living in the countryside than a city. In my experience the kinds of people who commit crimes such as theft or personal assault tend to be scared of the dark! I have a Reolink system, but only really works if you keep the internet switched on. At least then if gets nicked, there's a good chance you will get images of the culprit.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Ian! Thanks so much, i totally agree :)

[@pibble3962]

Cool advice with an awesome attitude! I also find that something in .45 ACP or 9mm Lugar with the ability to deploy them effectively can be reassuring.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks so much. Not sure I understand your acronym! What's Lugar?

[@dallassukerkin6878]

@@wellbeingonwater The poster probably meant Luger, which is a 9mm pistol round developed by the Germans. .45 ACP is most commonly known as the round for the Colt M1911. A few years ago I would have thought that the notion that we have to go armed was ludicrous - now, well, I am starting to agree.

[@Renovator26]

Wow! Great vlog May. if I were your Mom and Dad I'd worry about you being all alone with so many crazies around, but you obviously know how to look after yourself. Stay well. John, Ontario, Canada

[@wellbeingonwater]

Haha thanks John! I'm very capable and safe 😊

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thankyou for sharing useful tips on safety. Have a lovely Christmas 🎄 and a great new year 💚

[@wellbeingonwater]

😘

[@sharoncole8249]

🎀🎀🎀l love your outlook on life and you are right not to let anyone stop you doing what you love .Merry christmas and a happy successful 2023 😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks so much Sharon. 😍 merry Christmas

[@philhodgkinson1460]

A very merry Christmas... May I am a photographer too... like to catch up with you maybe 2023 perhaps...?? Love your love life attitude... you are just the best xx.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Phil, thanks so much! Keep on doing you! Have a great Christmas 😀

[@tangs167]

Stay warm and have a good holiday May, best wishes, Kevin

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Kevin, thanks so much. Merry Christmas 😃

[@endeavour2968]

Ive considered hanging timber boards over the outside of the windows on the towpath side, to help deter windows being kicked in. Those are the same solar lights im considering getting except, I was considering using a sticky back magnet on the back of the lights, so you can take them down if they are disturbing neighbours , or move them to a location when sitting out of an evening, or for any other reason. You can also get a fake tv light, uses almost no electric but makes it look like your watching tv from the outside. and if you put it on a timer it will all help. PPS Ring doorbells also do smart solar camera and doorbells etc...

[@wellbeingonwater]

Great ideas thanks! I think the boards would be a bit cumbersome...

[@endeavour2968]

@@wellbeingonwater I have also wondered about this, but then as they would technically be flat boards /planks, when not in use they could either be left under the bed, under the mattress etc, or if painted red to match boat then slid on or off windows, and if on hooks, then just lifted on or off within a second, rather than tied on. Ps: I haven’t actually done it to mine .yet, PPS I see you’ve also got the same single glaze windows I’ve got, I’m considering getting sheets of Perspex cut to size of window apertures and held on inside of windows like secondary glazing, to reduce the insane amount of condensation I get on my windows during winter, it almost looks like windows are leaking, but they are not, if I stand on inside and Somebody sprays outside with a hose you’ll soon see if they leak, ppps: don’t feel the need to reply, these are just the random thoughts of a another single handed boaters ramblings 😂🤣

[@mcransley]

Very useful and informative film thanks

[@glenbarker8642]

Always good to view day to living . I've been doing similar for 20 years but on a large motorhome. Similar lifestyle ...keep safe and like yre vids.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey! Thanks for your comment fellow nomad

[@chaswarren7239]

Love that Jumper ! Now you have had some experience with the Reolink, can you give us an impartial review based on experience please ?

[@wellbeingonwater]

It does the job!

[@david9180]

Do not moor near benches especially if you see empty beer cans or fires '' buy a dog and always moor near clusters of boats '' be aware of good and bad areas ' happy new year

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks David! Happy new year 😄

[@mattbee7885]

I love your videos! I binge watched a lot of them the last couple of days! I hired a narrow boat for two weeks in the summer down the Oxford canal and loved it, seriously thinking of swapping the caravan for a boat if I can get away from the family farm, take care x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Matthew! Aww brilliant. You must have enjoyed your adventure if your considering a swap! 😀

[@robertcromer5411]

First of all Have A Merry Christmas!!! A couple of ideas: 1) Purchase ~4 pepper sprays and have them Fore/Aft/Bedroom/Living area. Spray them, knock them down, and football practice, GOAL... 2) Place more solar lights, have one on each corner. 3) Have a float switch installed on your bilge pump. Heating: 1) There are Bio-Bricks that burn a lot longer than firewood, but coal is better. 2) Having a cold air return from the bedroom to the stove, will move a lot of heat. 3) There are USB throws and sleeping bag liners that use ~10 watts, that you can turn when the fire goes out I enjoy your videos... Bob

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey! Thanks for all these great tips and advice. You should start your own channel! Merry Christmas :)

[@benm2202]

Possession of pepper sprays is unfortunately highly illegal in the UK, even inside your own boat. Incidentally, I agree with all the comments advising you to move the camera inside. You want to protect the contents of your boat, not the towpath! It will surely be stolen before long if you leave it out.

[@rosemarie-karma]

Happy Festivities May 🌲🎅🧣💚

[@wellbeingonwater]

Same to you! Merry Christmas 😃

[@cal7184]

Merry Christmas May, have a great time.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks cal you too 😄

[@boatingphotographer4377]

Just found you today May! Cracking (ice joke) vlog. Happy Christmas and keep up the good work.👍 New Sub here x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey! Woo thanks for the sub and lovely comment. Do love a pun! Have a fab holiday too!

[@maxiemills6982]

I would love to see you play the guitar. Thanks for the videos May. I am glad you are safe!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Maxie! Thank you :) I play in some other of my vids but I have to be careful with copyright

[@christaylor8325]

I think you should put at the top of your safety list, personal safety, I.e. personal buoyancy, non slip footwear etc. Falling in in a lock or a confined space can easily be fatal!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Great advice

[@gregfawcett5152]

May...very good...two things...1st... there should be no water in your bilge... ever...if there is you need to figure out why and see to it that the bilge remains dry... always... a bilge pump will not save your boat from sinking. Second..being that you like to stay fit you should take a self defense course...not because you would be dwelling on the negative but because it is a great way to stay fit and it empowers you in Mind , Body, and Soul...Best...

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks for the advice Greg 😊

[@albert1714]

Just keep doing what you do, love ya vids. Merry Christmas and a happy new you to you and all off yours. Catch you in 2023. 😁👍🙂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Cheers Albert :D Have a fab Christmas and NY

[@jaysummers9396]

The bottom line is mindset, if you're constantly worried about the bogey man you'll find him around every corner, your mindset and precautions seem perfect to me. Have a great Christmas 🎄 🙂

[@wellbeingonwater]

Couldn't agree more! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@danielmoore2475]

Hi May, I hope you had a great Christmas, have you thought about a team up with David from cruising the cut? I want to throw something in 😂I used to love that as a kid.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yes I've heard of David! It would be fun to team up with him! Happy New Year! 😁

[@6412mars]

Merry Christmas lovely May 🎄😊

[@wellbeingonwater]

Happy holidays! 😁

[@jasonwoods3711]

Thanks for the tip ! Reolink looks good ...

[@wellbeingonwater]

It is good!

[@glyn829]

Hi May another great film 👍 like the camera and your cooker is brill .. when we hired boats for some reason I thought someone would undo the ropes at night and it would float away lol of course it never happened 😆 have a lovely Christmas 🎄 Glyn

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hehe! I have had pins come out because boaters go past too fast. There I am teaching a class in the boat and the boat has swung out! Have a great Christmas :)

[@paulhampson8496]

Good on you looks a great adventure got to do that with my wife x kids rent one for a week merry Christmas and all the best 2023

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks, you too! A must do!

[@andrewnorris5415]

Great precautions and mindset! I wonder how expensive good insurance is for a boat?

[@wellbeingonwater]

It's about 200-300£ 😊

[@noelcreaton3735]

Merry Christmas May have a great time and look forward to next years videos x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Noel, thank you :) Merry Christmas

[@johncampbell4256]

Great video may very interesting on safety and the camera idea is something I'll be looking into x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yay glad it was inspiring for you John

[@VPPAF]

it maybe safer for you on your boat with your experience but that roof looked very slippy high risk of slipping off and into that canal maybe a lifejacket on for when you are on the roof of your boat at any time would be sensible

[@thomasmackenzie7811]

Wonderful ☺️! Many Thanks !

[@howdymartin6258]

Great video - very informative - looking forward to more content in 2023

[@wellbeingonwater]

Awesome, thank you! More to come 😁

[@OGCrypto33]

Can you talk about your solar and managing in the winter.

[@wellbeingonwater]

I need to understand it before I talk about it! 😅

[@shae5502]

Merry Christmas May and A very Happy New Year xx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Merry Chrismas lovely Shana 😘 See you in the NY xx

[@Snaggletooth1970]

Hello,new here to your channel, just awsum,,Hello from CANADA 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@wellbeingonwater]

Welcome!! So great to have you all the way from Canada!

[@john-wq8kf]

Pepper should be a good deterrent. In my kayaking days I used to have a flare pack but would I use it prob not. The vandals I’ve come across have been cowards unless they are in a crowd.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks John! Great ideas and thoughts. Thanks so much for the comment 😀

[@badboybullterriers4104]

As maybe my name and pictures shows I've always had dogs when i lived on the cut. if your interested let me know :) my 2 are sweet hearts but trust me no one will trouble you with a big powerful dog by your side. if i didn't have a dog id set up a Bluetooth speaker that i could play a dog barking on my phone like picking up the speaker and walking towards the door would sound like a dog moving , i make music and have a really nice mic i can make you a soundtrack of 2 Big bullterriers barking.

[@wellbeingonwater]

That sounds like a brilliant idea, if thats something you'd enjoy doing Id love to receive a MP3 of that! [e-mail] :)

[@billb945]

I hope so.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Yeh I am :)

[@craigmaddison8254]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Same to you! 😁

[@jiff80]

Happy travels 🤘

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks! 😃

[@BOTG_Adventures]

Do you ever float over Leeds Yorkshire way? thinking of getting a solo narrowboat, would love to buy you a coffee and pick ya brains. :P

[@rootwoman123]

Good tips with one exception. Not thinking about your safety because you don't want it to overwhelm or detract from your boating experiences is not a realistic self-defense strategy. Is there a network of single women cruisers to help with your plan?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Interesting perception!!

[@catonhottinroof]

This seems like a great way to live. Have you ever thought of getting a dog for extra security? I feel like you about bars on windows, they are very unsafe if there was a fire or anything. Anyhow, all these things aside, this is an idyllic life, it is something I've always dreamed of but never had the guts to pursue. Well done you, for someone so young you have your head screwed on and have followed your dream.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Thanks cat. Yes I have thought about getting a dog, I've got one staying for a month while my friends go on holiday so it will be a good test run! Never too late to follow your dreams 😁

[@catonhottinroof]

@@wellbeingonwater yes you're right, one day I might just do it. ❤️

[@markb1487]

Just found your channel.. Great video. Great content..💯👍💯

[@wellbeingonwater]

Welcome aboard! Thank you ☺️

[@tommotomlinson3370]

Have a happy Christmas May 🎄🎄🎄

[@wellbeingonwater]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@linamora9169]

Nice weather! ...here in San Diego it is too hot I hate it, I was definitely born in the wrong place! ❤

[@wellbeingonwater]

Aww boo, I'm like a lizard

[@knott4me561]

Fantastic advice thank you

[@wellbeingonwater]

You are so welcome!

[@nateuk2542]

Thanks for the tip, Riolink it is then!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Chants *reolink reolink reolink :D

[@valeriebaxter2354]

Super pice of kit but there are blind spots and they could remove it from behind. I would put it inside facing the door as windows will also be captured if you locate it right. Merry Christmas.

[@ethelmini]

..with a bit of outside through a window to show it's still where she left it, including vertically 🐟

[@wellbeingonwater]

Nice idea, something worth thinking about for sure

[@mariasell3676]

Great video, I would worry about someone sealing the plant pot with the camera on it.

[@wellbeingonwater]

The irony is too much! Thanks for your comment

[@wilfredzielinski5685]

great video again may happy xmas and keep safe and dont get to drunk lol

[@wellbeingonwater]

Don't get too drunk? I think thats advice for yourself though?

[@wilfredzielinski5685]

@@wellbeingonwater bin there and dun it not no more have fun and keep safe

[@Martyn2021]

Its always best to have the technology and never need it and then have to replace everything. i watch a guy who is building a cabin in the middle of Canadian woods who has the same kind of setup so it does prove even out there peace of mind is needed. I hope you have a good Christmas and thanks again once again for yoga tips they really do help

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Martyn, thanks for a lovely comment. It's all for peace of mind really. If someone wants to break into anything, they will! Have a great Christmas period :)

[@cameronstevenson5894]

The boat swaying would give it away if you were you know lol

[@ParabrisasMotocicletas]

Get yourself two very good friends. Meet Smith and his buddy Wesson. They will take good care of you, love. Just in case, of course. ❤

[@wellbeingonwater]

I'm doing great 😀

[@stewartrogers494]

Ice in the great white north is winter fun moreover; the smell of the ice is amazing. Slipping and sliding, balancing underfoot, mastering senses of ability in movement inhenses zen........we the north.....S

[@wellbeingonwater]

Love this! Thanks Stewart

[@badboybullterriers4104]

Happy Xmas, video idea you tried fishing off the boat yet obviously u chuck em all back not for food! more for fun and a video idea but could u handle a maggot? :)

[@DJ-Brownie-UK]

how weird is that, throwing back severely traumatized and orally injured fish , that even if they managed to survive the trauma they would struggle to feed due to the lacerations to its mouth, this narcissistic behaviour is equal to psychos who enjoy hunting as a sport. This is why a conscious hunter dispatches his game as swiftly as possible, also I put myself n the shoes of the animal whom has been caught, it would say "ok, you got me, so please make it quick as I would not want to endure painful suffering or be physically incapacitated in such a way would leave me entrapped in very slow agonizing death in constant misery. And I hope you eat me as I would hope the only reason you killed me was because you needed me for nourishment as that would be a compliment, anything else would be an insult.

[@wellbeingonwater]

I'd eat one if you pay me enough! As long as it's organic 😂

[@DJ-Brownie-UK]

@@wellbeingonwater 🙄maggots are known not to be orgasmic or long, apparently they just don't touch the sides, the majority of those wrinkly little fellas become caught in Flies.

[@Daytona2]

Hope that you have a pleasant Christmas & new year, May. Wondering if there are any GDPR issues with the camera videoing people on the towpath as well, although it's private CRT property so maybe part of the licence allows it.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Good question! One i'll have to explore! Have a fab Christmas and NY :)

[@garychamley3095]

It's a public area anyone can film and take pictures. GDPR doesn't apply.

[@365DaysofSilver]

New sub here, just stumbled across your channel

[@wellbeingonwater]

Welcome aboard! 😁

[@365DaysofSilver]

@@wellbeingonwater Thank you. Have you done Caen Hill before, now that's a killer!

[@Orchardcommonceramics]

You and Robbie Cummings should meet up and make a video!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Just looked him up, he looks cool!

[@Pure_Val]

10:07 ... is a COLD moment

[@wellbeingonwater]

Sure was!

[@ethelmini]

You don't have to use your actual camera to have a deterrent. I think I'd be inclined to put it where it can show you your boat's ok, for peace of mind, rather than to try and catch baddies in the act when it's unlikely you could do much about it anyway. If it has a motion sensing alert feature, putting it on the inside could help make that useable too - rather than being tripped by every dog walker etc.

[@wellbeingonwater]

Deffo something worth thinking about! Thank you :)

[@amyj6607]

Hi May, I was walking my dog down the canal yesterday and wondered what you do when the water has frozen over in terms of moving the boat as a continual cruiser? Might be a silly question but I was curious!

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Amy! No such thing as silly questions here! :) Well, I could move but I wouldnt want to as I think it would induce anxiety! The Canal and River Trust are very considerate when it comes to things like this. If you have a good enough reason not to move you don't have to.

[@rebeccadanaher1065]

Happy Christmas to you and your family x ps. I wouldn't leave the camera outside, somebody might steal it. x

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Rebecca! Wouldn't that be ironic!

[@robertpitkin6171]

Happy new year 🍷🍾❤️

[@wellbeingonwater]

Happy new year!!😄

[@smifff63]

Looks beautiful where you are

[@wellbeingonwater]

It's larvley

[@acsljones]

Hi May,you are so pretty how have I only just been recommended to your video.what have I been missing? Come down the Leeds Liverpool,you will have a ball.🙏

[@wellbeingonwater]

Hey Andy! Liverpool is a trek especially on a boat!

[@acsljones]

@@wellbeingonwater your right,ships have an easier time of it.😆 I wish I lived on a narrow boat,had a seven day break on a 40 footer on Trent and mersey.was one of the best little holidays Ive ever had, everything slowed down for a week and I met some lovely people. Enjoy May, you are so lucky.x

[@Jayden-cz4dw]

I could get used to that view

[@nickvaughan4069]

May , I will be 50 next year and my dream is to have a boat ,my mortgage will be paid off next year am I to old to be a boater now xxx

[@wellbeingonwater]

Nick, your only as old as you feel so thats totally up to you my friend!

[@joeroberts7298]

i want to get one, how long did it take you to be able to have finances for this?

[@wellbeingonwater]

Took a loan out 😄

[@scottnever8732]

I miss being happy to wake up, last time that happened i was dating a wanna be rivergypsy. 30 years ago

[@wellbeingonwater]

Everything you need to be happy is right there within you. Be kind to yourself Scott 😊

[@cityzens634]

You need a big strong man to protect you 💪🏻

[@wellbeingonwater]

That's the last thing I need!

[@cityzens634]

@@wellbeingonwater Why’s that?