Concept:
Free board is the vertical distance between the full supply level of water and the top of the canal bank.
Step 1: In a canal, water level may rise due to waves, sudden inflow or operational variations.
Step 2: If the canal bank height is not sufficient, water may overflow.
Step 3: Free board provides safety margin above the designed water level.
Step 4: This prevents overtopping of canal banks.
\[
\boxed{\text{Prevent overtopping}}
\]