Insurer calls for care on water

Press, 30 December 1988, Page 4

Insurer calls for care on water

A leading marine insurer, which has settled more than 500 claims for loss and damage to small boats this year, has called on boat owners to take a more responsible attitude during the holiday season.

The marine manager for Commercial Union Insurance, Mrs Jill Cotter, says small boat accidents are becoming more common and usually occur because boat owners do not follow simple safety precautions or are irresponsible on the water.

“Too many people forget that boating can be a dangerous activity and the unprepared or irresponsible boatee can often end up as a statistic,” she said.

Alcohol was one of the main causes of boating accidents and, as in road deaths, was also the most avoidable, said Mrs Cotter.

“Operating a boat is no different to driving a car when it comes to alcohol abuse. Too much alcohol can have the same result in both cases.”

Safety equipment such as flares, life-jackets and even fuel supplies were all common-sense precautions which were too often forgotten, she said. “Safety on the water is only achieved by taking a responsible attitude to the needs of your crew and passengers and to others on the water. “All it requires is a little thought and many accidents could be avoided.”