Broads retains record as a safe place for boating
There were no boat-related deaths on the Broads for the third year running in 2009/10, showing that the Norfolk and Suffolk waterways continue to be safe for boating.
Only four boat fires were reported - the lowest number for four years. Two of those were believed to be the result of arson attacks. The remaining two boats which caught fire accidentally both had Boat Safety Certificates. However, one of these fires is thought to have been started by an electric heater left in an inappropriate location which reinforces the need for boaters to be aware of potential safety issues and keep boats regularly maintained.
A total of 22 people received hospital treatment. Eight of those injuries were caused when embarking or disembarking.Thirty four people fell into the water.
Inexperience caused some of the incidents. A hired half-decker sank, but the crew of six were rescued unhurt at South Walsham Pump. A woman suffered a chest injury when a hire boat hit St Olaves Bridge, and a crew member was hit on the head by debris when a hire boat hit its mooring very hard. On another occasion a hire yacht collided with a cruiser, throwing a crew member into the water and a 14 year old girl fractured her wrist after getting it caught in the main sheet while sailing.
A boater was severely scalded on his arm and torso after taking off the cap from the expansion tank on a hot engine.
Steve Birtles, the Broads Authority’s Head of Waterways Strategy and Safety. said: “The number of accidents are small when compared to the the half million visitors who boat on the Broads every year. We continue to highlight the message of personal responsibility for safety through our publications and encourage boaters to take a more proactive role by becoming better informed and wearing lifejackets.
“Last year we noticed a large increase in boaters wearing lifejackets which must have played a part in maintaining our record for no boat-related drownings. The greater occurrence of incidents caused when getting on and off boats reinforces the need for all organisations to continue to raise awareness of this hazard.”
A DVD, ‘Better Boating on the Broads’, is available from boatyards and booking agents as well as from Broads Tourist Information Centres and the Broads Authority. (Tel: 01603 610734)
Last summer the Broads Authority launched a safety campaign with posters and wind-up torches warning boaters to wear sensible shoes and to take care when returning to their boats especially after dark. It is currently piloting photo-luminescent (glow in the dark) discs beside mooring posts at unlit moorings and is considering painting the edge of some of its moorings white so they stand out in the dark.
The Authority’s free visitor magazine, Broadcaster, gives lots of safety tips for boaters.
The Broads Authority runs Super Safety Days throughout the year to check that boats are safe and to promote safety on the waterways.
Safety tips for boating include:
Wear a lifejacket when on your boat or close to the water.
Don’t jump on to the bank, but step carefully, checking the ground is solid and avoiding holes. Keep one hand on the boat and one for yourself.
Wear flat, non-slip shoes.
Carry a torch at night.
Be aware of the danger of consuming alcohol which could affect your balance and judgement.
Avoid returning to your boat alone –pair up, especially at night.
14/04/10.
