THOUGH IT IS MERCIA MARINA that has told its moorers about staying safe now winter is here, it is surely applicable to all.
It tells that slips, trips, and falls are the most common type of accident and the water environment adds another level of danger, and for many of us changes in balance, eyesight (especially at night) or mobility can make recovery from a stumble more difficult and thus a fall more likely.
♦ Use a headtorch when walking after dark or in poor conditions.
♦ Take extra care in wet or icy weather.
♦ Wear suitable footwear with good grip.
♦ When stepping on or off your boat, keep one hand on the boat and your other hand free for balance/grabbing a hold.
♦ Always check both surfaces are dry and not slippery.
A Moment of Reflection
And do consider your overall health and ability. For all of us there comes a time when we stop certain things. It may be sports, disco dancing, raves, DIY, driving or even boating.
Giving up cruising doesn’t have to mean giving up living aboard, but it may mean assisted trips to the pump out and fuel dock rather than doing a ring, or a trip to Burton rather than Shardlow.
Just like your car driving may be more about trips to the supermarket rather than driving holidays through the Alps.
What our accident reports show
The most common place for people to fall in the water (the most dangerous fall here) is when stepping on or off a boat.
Please take a few minutes to complete this excellent free online water safety course: Free Water Safety Online Course – West Mercia Search & Rescue.