Boater wanted the tidal Severn

A HIRE boater obviously impervious to the many notices stating the dangers of turning onto the tidal Severn at Worcester attempted to get onto the tidal river but luckily was thwarted by the weir barrier.

The steerer of a Viking hire boat began a turn to starboard at the point where the Severn splits for Diglis Lock and the weir, our correspondent writes.

Children playing on deck

There were children playing on the rear deck as the 'skipper' managed to first get the boat stuck on the embankment that splits the river, then got the boat stuck broadside to the weir barrier and finally got the bow stuck in a tree, pictured, on the opposite bank.

I'm not sure what point is more important to make here, take your pick:

• the 'skipper' ignoring signs telling boaters to turn in the slack water in front of Diglis Lock.
• the 'skipper' failing to recognise the danger posed by the weir.
• the hire company's, clearly, woefully inadequate preparation of holiday boaters.
• holiday boaters blasé attitude towards the very real hazards of boating.
• the potential for damage to the weir barrier.
• the potential for sinking.
• the potential for loss of life or serious injury.

Dangerous pastime

When will people realise that boating, especially when inexperienced, is a serious and potentially dangerous pastime. You have to wonder at the logic of letting someone sail off with 20 odd tonnes of boat with absolutely minimal instruction and no experience, especially when they intend to go on the river. When things go wrong on a boat, they tend to go wrong quickly and badly.

These particular hire boaters were very fortunate that it wasn't as windy as in previous days and that the river is particularly calm at present. I dread to think of the outcome otherwise. It surely wouldn't have been the cheesy grins and laissez faire attitude that was demonstrated when they eventually got themselves free...

[The name of the writer has been purposely omitted as he is known to the Viking hire company.]