St Ives boat firm hopeful hot weather can boost summer recovery
A yellow heat health alert is in place for the East of England
A boat company in Cambridgeshire is hoping it can take advantage of the hot weather this week.
Temperatures are expected to hit the mid to high twenties as the East of England continues to be under a yellow heat health alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), until 5pm tomorrow.
The Met Office said Monday was the hottest day of the year so far, with Wisley in Surrey reaching 28.3C and temperatures are due to climb higher in parts of central and eastern England today.
Francis Mizuro owns the St Ives Electric Riverboat Company, which runs along the River Great Ouse and is heavily dependent on the weather for trade.
"People start thinking about opportunities"
"I think it (the hot weather) makes people think about being by the water, being cool and then they start thinking about opportunities (what to do in the area) and one of them is a river cruise," he said.
"The beginning of the (summer) season was very poor for us compared to last year; we've had situations where it's been a nice day but we've not been able to operate because the river's been under strong stream.
"That's had a massive effect on business and we've actually had to turn people away at that point."
Turning away people 'demoralising' for business
Industry leaders believe warmer weather and likely heatwaves forecast for parts of the UK this week offer a boost to businesses such as in hospitality after a drizzly spring saw footfall drop.
But the weather, as well as conditions on the River Great Ouse, have sometimes meant Francis has had to turn people away.
But he hopes that whatever the situation, business can continue to flow.
"I think it's demoralising as a business owner, but you have to be fair with the customers if we're not able to be there," he said.
"We have to contact customers, let them know, refund any payments they've made and hope they come back when the weather improves later in the season.
"I think we have to work day to day, accept the weather as it is and just try and operate to the best (of our ability) and on the whole, customers are very understanding."
How to stay safe in the heat
The UKHSA has some top tips on how to stay safe during the hot weather:
- keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm;
- if you are going to do a physical activity, do this during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening;
- keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun;
- if going outside, wear suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen;
- drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake;
- check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell;
- know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.