Fire safety for boat owners

Boat owners were visited by firefighters this week as part of a focus on boat fire safety.

Over the course of the week, 25 vessels in Bray Marina have been visited by Maidenhead fire crews

They checked that owners knew the location of their cut-off switches, had an up-to-date MOT on their boat, and had carbon monoxide and smoke alarms fitted.

Advice was given on how to safely store gas cylinders and fire extinguishers and how to use them.

Firefighter Andy Dare stressed the importance of fire safety in boats, saying that about three people each year are killed by boat fires.

He said: "It went really well and everyone we spoke to was very accepting of the advice. It is their hobby so people take it seriously."

Checks were also carried out at Windsor Marina over the week. It was held this week to coincide with National Boat Safety Week.

If you would like a fire risk assessment on your boat or home, call 0800 587 6679.
For more information on boat safety, visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com