News - 25/05/16

As part of the national ‘Fire Kills’ campaign, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the ‘Boat Safety Scheme’ are asking local boat owners to make vital safety checks and learn more about fire and carbon monoxide risks to stay safe this summer. 

Over the past two decades, 30 boaters have been killed in boat fires and another 30 have lost their lives to the ‘silent killer’ carbon monoxide. The message, timed for the start of the boating season, is that owners should understand the risks, make regular, basic checks, and follow their engine and appliance operating guidelines, as the essential steps to deal with the fire and carbon monoxide threat. 

During ‘Boat Fire Safety Week’ from 30th May to 5th June 2016 (#BoatFireSafety2016), Isle of Wight firefighters will be talking to boat owners and handing out leaflets to alert people to the risks and help them protect themselves and their passengers.

The ‘Fire Safety on Boats’ leaflet provides excellent advice and tips even to the most experienced boaters amongst us. The leaflet explains how to protect your boat and your crew from fire, as well as what to do if a fire breaks out. This leaflet, together with ‘Carbon Monoxide Safety on Boats’ is available at Cowes Harbour Office, as well as various local boatyards and marinas; do take the time to read them.

People can also get safety advice on the go, with the top 10 tips to keep you safe from carbon monoxide available for smartphones, tablets and laptops at boatsafetyscheme.org/CO and petrol safety tips at boatsafetyscheme.org/PetrolSafety. For further information about general boat fire and CO safety, visit boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe.