THE impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on usage of Windermere was apparent in statistics revealed in a report by the lake's wardens and rangers.

Figures for both new registrations and slipway usage surpassed the 1,000 mark for the first time across the five years for which data was provided. 

The number of new registrations of power-driven boats between October 2020 and September 2021 was, at 1,119, 59.4 per cent higher than the previous year, and 74.6 per cent higher than the October 2018-September 2019 figure.

The statistics were revealed in a report produced ahead of a meeting of the district council's lake administration committee on Friday.

The report said the national park authority's lake ranger team 'did their best in a challenging season' when it came to educating lake-users. 

"Many visitors were first-time visitors and new to the lake," said the report.

There was also an increase in use of the public slipway.

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Between the beginning of October 2020 and the end of September 2021, the number of craft that used the slipway, at 1,002, was 4.48 per cent higher than the previous year and 16.2 per cent higher than the year before that.

The statistics for slipway usage did not include usage by permanent mooring- and berth-holders or non-powered vessels such as canoes.  

The report said that an increase in open water swimming had led to swim and boat safety posters being installed at 'key locations' around Windermere. 

This was done 'to ensure swimmers are more aware of the risks and for boaters - to encourage them to keep a lookout for swimmers in the water'.

The report warned that 'booze and boating' did not mix and 'put all lake-users at risk'.

"During the 2021 season, three masters of vessels have been reported for court in relation to being unfit to navigate through drink or drugs," it said.

"We continue to encourage lake-users to report inappropriate behaviour and by-law breaches."

Reports can be made on 07768 320 241 or by emailing LakeRangerTeam@lakedistrict.gov.uk