How to operate Watford Locks
![Watford locks local navigation Watford locks](https://www.unionwharfharborough.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Edited-with-Lighroom-2.jpg)
Step by step - Watford Locks
Moor up on either side near the white-topped bollards to allow your crew to disembark. You can hold your narrowboat temporarily on the centre line; winding the rope around the bollards will give you more grip.
The crew will now need to “book in” with the lock keepers. These wonderful volunteers wear the blue uniform of the Canal and River Trust with a red lifejacket and you will usually find them on the locks themselves or in the little building at the top lock. The lock keepers manage the travel of boats in both directions and will guide you as to when to move your boat through.
![operate watford locks 1 man showing how to operate watford locks by holding boat before first lock](https://www.unionwharfharborough.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/operate-watford-locks-1.jpg)
![operate watford locks 4-001 operating watford locks with a gate spindle](https://www.unionwharfharborough.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/operate-watford-locks-4-001.jpg)