Holding a torch for Broads safety
“Stay Alert – don’t fall in!” That’s the Broads Authority’s message to boaters as it launches a new safety campaign for the waterways as the peak summer holidays kick in.
It is backing its campaign by issuing 1000 wind-up LED torches at £1 each -- an essential tool when embarking and disembarking at night, particularly on visits to the pub.
Over the last two years there have been no boating related deaths, but of the 11 injuries needing hospital treatment last year six were caused when people were getting on and off boats.
Now an eye-catching poster campaign gives people advice for a night out off the boat, warning them to avoid high heels when aboard, limit the amount they drink, and to take a torch for the home-ward journey.
Steve Birtles, Head of Waterways Strategy and Safety said: “Most reported injuries are caused when people are getting on and off boats. We want to make people aware of the dangers and the need for them to stay alert, not drink too much and take care, particularly when it is dark. Many moorings don’t have lighting and nor does the walk to and from the pub. It may well be light when you leave the boat but will probably be dark when you return. So we advise people to always keep a torch to hand as a vital piece of equipment. The wooden moorings and boats are often damp and slippery at night and the big danger is of falling between your boat and the quay.”
David Broad, Lead Broads Authority member on Boat Safety said, “the Broads are an ideal and safe place to learn and enjoy boating and, whilst boat-related accidents are on the decrease due to the Boat Safety Scheme and efforts of the Boating Safety Management Group, there remains a rump of accidents arising from getting on and off boats. We want skippers to take responsibility and “hold a torch” for all aspects of safety and crews to take their time and extra care. Accidents can spoil a holiday.”
Tony Howes, Secretary of the Broads Hire Boat Federation, said "I know that my members want all boaters, whether hire customers or private owners, to enjoy themselves safely on the Broads so this campaign and the additional measures proposed are welcomed. Returning to your boat in the dark after an evening in the pub or a restaurant definitely requires extra care."
Posters and the specially badged wind up torches will be a feature at yacht stations, tourist information centres, pubs and riverside shops. Torches are also available from Broads Authority navigation rangers and the Broads Authority’s Norwich office.
The Broads Authority is currently trialling other measures on its 24 hour moorings including glow-in-the dark fluorescent discs, reflectors on mooring posts and paint on capping. If successful the measures will be rolled out to other unlit moorings near pubs.
27/07/09
