Norfolk Coastguard urges boaters and paddleboards to wear life-jacket at all times
This summer Broads Authority Rangers will be out patrolling the water to keep people safe
The Coastguard in Norfolk is urging boaters and paddleboards to wear a life-jacket all times, whenever they're on the water.
The Broads Authority are working with the RNLI and lifeguards to encourage those planning on using our county's rivers and lakes to stay safe throughout the summer.
"Have a back-up plan"
Liz Hustler is a senior officer for the Coastguard: "Have a back-up plan for when you go on the water. Make sure that somebody on land knows your plans and knows how long you're likely to be away for.
"If you do get into trouble dial 999 and ask for the coastguard- whether that's on the Broads or on the Coast- and if you can give us a three word location.
"If somebody else gets into trouble in the water, try and calm them down and get them to swim to the side.
"If you can, try and find something to throw them or to reach them with - but it's really important that you don't enter the water yourself and put yourself in danger."
"Be sensible"
Lucy Burchnall, Head of Ranger Services, said: “We want visitors to have a wonderful time exploring the Broads.
“We urge visitors to follow the safety advice of hire companies, wear life jackets when climbing on and off boats as well as when on board, not to jump off boats for a swim and be aware of the propellers.
“Relaxing with a drink is a past-time that has been enjoyed by visitors here for centuries, however unfortunately some people may become dangerously drunk and incapacitated near the water, which is never a good idea.
“We want to remind people to be sensible - remember that no matter what it is you are celebrating, or however great of a time you are having, it is not worth losing yours or a friend’s life over.”
"Don’t jump in, call 999 immediately"
Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead at the RNLI, added: “Safe boating week and every week, ensure you’re enjoying the environment safely. You’re not going to have a near miss every time you go out, but these precautions are for those 1 in a 100 moments where something does go wrong.
“Taking a means of calling for help, wear a personal flotation device, remember our ‘Float to Live’ advice could be the thing that stops it going from bad to worse.
"And if anyone else is ever in trouble, don’t jump in, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard and then throw them something that floats, like a life ring."
What's the advice to keep safe?
Holiday hire boats (motor cruisers)
• Wear a personal floatation device, like a life jacket, at all times - experienced boaters, first-timers, all members of the family, including children and dogs
• Avoid the back of the vessel where the propeller is located
• Watch your footing when stepping off on the vessel whilst mooring up
• Float to Live - if you fall in, try to remain calm and focus on floating on your back, whilst your body adjusts to the cold temperature of the water, then swim or move to the edge of the river if you are able to do so, or wait to be thrown a life ring or throw line
Don’t go overboard on alcohol!
• Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for a large number of water-related accidents and fatalities each year across the UK’s waterways and coast. Many of these would be avoidable if people were aware of how dangerous it is to mix alcohol and open water
• Don’t booze and cruise. You wouldn’t drink and drive, so don’t drink and pilot a boat. Even passengers should limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol may make you more likely to fall in, and it reduces your chances of surviving if you do
• Drunk individuals may also forget to avoid the fast-spinning and sharp propeller of the boat, which will almost certainly cause severe injury or death if it comes into contact with them.
• Moor up your boat before you consume alcohol.
Paddlesports
Canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding have recently seen a huge surge in popularity. While they are lots of fun, be prepared and understand the risks if you are taking to the water:
• Wear an appropriate life jacket or paddleboard tether
• Choose quieter stretches of the rivers to explore (sticking to the right-hand side of the river) and always be aware of other river users including larger vessels
• Know what to do if you capsize/enter the water
• Carry a means of calling for help, for example a mobile in a waterproof pouch
What support will be around this summer?
This summer, Broads Authority Rangers will be out patrolling on the water and will be working closely with their partners at BroadsBeat, the RNLI and HM Coastguard to keep people safe
For advice during your visit you can call Broads Control on 01603 756056, or contact their team at the Yacht Stations.
More details can be foundhere.