May Bank Holiday Water Safety Appeal

The organisations recommend that all boats and watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, be thoroughly inspected and maintained after the winter season. This includes servicing engines and ensuring all equipment, especially lifejackets, are in good condition. 

When using a boat or other water vessel:

• Always wear a lifejacket and carry reliable communication devices, such as a VHF radio and ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), with a mobile phone in a waterproof case as a backup

• Inform someone about your planned route and expected return time 

For water-based activities:

• Always have a means to communicate distress effectively

• Check environmental conditions (weather and tides) using available information sources before your trip

• Seek help immediately if you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, by using Marine VHF channel 16 or Dialling 112 and asking for the Coast Guard 

For swimmers:

• Water temperatures remain cold at this time of year, so consider wearing a wetsuit to stay warm

• Acclimatise to the water slowly • Wear a bright swimming cap and consider using a tow float to enhance your visibility

• Never swim alone and always ensure your activity is monitored by a companion 

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are in trouble, use Marine VHF channel 16 or Dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.