A Lock keeper, Lock Tender, or lock operator looks after a canal or river lock, operating it and if necessary maintaining it or organizing its maintenance. Traditionally, the lock keeper lived on-site, often in a small purpose-built cottage. With the decline in commercial traffic the occupation is dying out, at least in Britain. Many previously manned locks are now unmanned.
Lock keepers were on call 24 hours a day during the boating season.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_keeper
Lock keepers were on call 24 hours a day during the boating season.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_keeper
The client
The lock keeper also makes coracles and has a keen interest in the restoration of old canal boats.