Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 26/03/2

BOAT SAFETY WEEK 26 – 30 MARCH 2007

The number of boat fires on our coastal and inland waters is relatively low however, when they do occur they quite often have devastating consequences.

There have been a number of incidents nationally that highlight the potential risk from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning and Cornwall County Fire Brigade and the RNLI are keen to ensure that boat owners minimise the risk of personal injury and injury to other coastal and inland waterway users.

Sub Officer Sean Taylor, Cornwall County Fire Brigade said “To ensure that our waterways remain a safe place to live, work and travel, a national boat safety week initiative is taking place during the week 26 – 30 March 2007. Cornwall County Fire Brigade want to use this week to promote key fire safety information to boaters”

Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer Roger Andrew added: “To receive a free ‘Sea Safety check’ boat owners should contact the RNLI on freephone 0800 328 0600 or email sea_safety@rnli.org.uk. The aim of the sea safety check is to raise awareness of the dangers of fire and other safety issues in an informal and friendly way”

Sean and Roger kicked off the initiative by stepping on board ‘Falcon’ and fitting a free smoke alarm, as well as providing the owners with some practical sea safety advice.
The RNLI provides vital sea safety information free of charge, to help people stay safe on and around the water. Always remember to
• Wear a lifejacket
• Check your engine and fuel
• Tell others where you are going and when you plan to come back
• Carry some means of calling for help
• Keep an eye on weather and tides