Today (25 July) is World Drowning Prevention Day, and we're joining in the calls to raise awareness about water safety and the dangers that the waterways can pose ⚠️
Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a first-time visitor here on your holidays, it’s important to be vigilant at all times when you’re using the rivers.
This short CCTV video of incidents and near-misses is recorded at Norwich Yacht Station, which is just a small part of the Broads network, but it shows just how quickly things can go wrong.
Some people are wearing life jackets, but others aren't and are failing to be aware of their surroundings, including other vessels on the water.
There’s endless information about water safety online, but if you’re only going to read one post then our top tips are as follows:
• Always wear a life jacket - Especially important when moving around on your boat. Everyone on board, including children and pets, should wear a personal flotation device at all times regardless of whether you’re a strong swimmer or not. You never know when you might end up in the water.
• Avoid the propeller – Never intentionally enter the water from your boat but if you end up in the water, ensure you stay clear of the back of the vessel where the fast-spinning propeller is located.
• Watch your footing – The majority of injuries in the Broads relate to slips, trips and falls. Be cautious when stepping off/on the vessel while mooring up and watch where you put your feet.
• Float to Live - If you fall in, remain calm, float on your back to adjust to the cold water, then swim to the edge or wait for help. If you’re witnessing an incident, call 999 for emergencies and try to throw a line or other object in to aid flotation.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption - Alcohol and water don’t mix! Excessive drinking is a leading cause of water-related accidents and fatalities. Avoid drinking while on the boat, and always moor up before consuming alcohol.
• Paddl
Man not wearing a life jacket clings onto vessel as it departs Great Yarmouth
Recorded earlier this year at Great Yarmouth, this clip shows just how quickly things can happen on the water when you least expect it.
The man in this clip, attempting to board a vessel as it was already moving off the quay, could not swim confidently and was not wearing a life jacket.
Thanks to the reactions and quick thinking of another person on-board, he manages to grab their hand and hold on.
Broads Authority Quay Rangers attend the scene, shout instructions and prepare to throw a life ring, however the vessel keeps moving off the quay and as the man is still holding on, the life ring is not able to be deployed.
After the clip ends, the man is thankfully pulled to safety by the person on-board and does not suffer any significant injuries.
However, it could have been very different if he had entered the water and was not wearing a life jacket.
The vast majority of visits to the Broads end in safe, happy memories, but it only takes a momentary lapse in judgement for things to go wrong.
Please remember to wear a life jacket at all times and continue to give the water the respect it deserves.
You can help by wearing one yourself, ensuring others on board do too and sharing this video to get the message out. Thank you.
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