SAILORS URGED TO CHECK OFF BEFORE CAST OFF

News release
Clyde Outboard Services

For use - immediate

• Sailors given safety warnings ahead of boating season
• Precautions could cut down on rescue call outs, says expert
• National Park backs advice to water users

A Clyde-based boating expert is warning those who venture out on Scotland’s waters this spring to ‘check off before they cast off’.

Cameron Radford, owner of Port Glasgow-based Clyde Outboard Services, who features in a safety film for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, says Scotland’s sailors should go through a list of simple but essential checks before launching into a new boating season.

His advice is endorsed by staff at the National Park, who say many of the incidents they have dealt with on the loch could have been avoided with care and attention beforehand.

Cameron said: “When the sun is out and the waters are sparkling the temptation is to get out there as quickly as possible. But a short time spent on ensuring the safety of your boat can save a lot of time and trouble later.”    

Cameron’s list of basic checks include –

• Check your motor to make sure it’s working properly
• Always carry spare fuel and a spare battery. Trouble can strike from a clear sky, but these two very simple precautions can bail you out. For fuel, take a third for the outward journey: a third for the return and a third spare.
• Have an auxiliary engine on board. Again, check you have enough fuel for it too. Also check for obvious signs of fuel leaks: for perished and weeping hoses and inspect cooling water piping. Check fuel for sediment and water.
• Ensure drive belts are not frayed, cracked or slack. If they are, tighten or replace them, and check the oil levels, particularly if you haven’t used the vessel for some time.
• With an inboard engine, before you turn the ignition key, run the fans for at least a couple of minutes to ensure the compartment is clear of fumes.
• Always carry life jackets that fit the people on board your boat.
• Carry both a VHF radio AND a mobile phone. It’s better to have both - especially as mobiles can’t always locate a signal out on the water.

“We have some of the best boating conditions in Western Europe”, said Cameron. “When you’re out on the water and the sun is shining, you simply can’t beat it.

“But the weather can change quickly, and problems can blow up if you’re not paying attention.  So it pays to make a list of essential precautions, and check them off before you cast off.”

David Cameron, a ranger at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, backs Cameron Radford.

He said: “A lot of the incidents that we had on the loch last year could have been avoided if those involved had taken a bit of care and done a bit of preparation before heading out.

“At the start of the boating season, please make sure that your boat has been serviced before you take it out on the water for the first time. Check you’ve got enough fuel for your trip and that you’ve got all the relevant safety equipment with you.

“One of the most important things is always to wear a lifejacket – it only works if you actually put it on!

 “And finally, please respect other people using the water. Loch Lomond covers a big area and there is room for everyone if we all behave responsibly.

“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time while they’re out there.”

The Clyde Outboard Services safety film can be viewed at www.clyde-outboard-services.co.uk and www.lochlomond-trossachs.org as well as on a display board 

at the main slipway on Loch Lomond.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Last year on Loch Lomond, the National Park Authority attended 68 call outs where a patrol boat had to tow a vessel. Amongst the reasons for requiring a tow were: engine failure, running out of fuel, bad weather, gear box issues and running aground.

A further 43 incidents, where a tow wasn’t required, included vessels getting ropes tangled in propellers and suffering flat batteries. 

Clyde Outboard Services was launched in 2006 and moved to the Kingston Industrial Estate in Port Glasgow last year.

The base has a fully equipped 1,500 square foot workshop and showroom enabling the company to provide an extensive range of outboard services and related products. It also provides on-site servicing and, if required, can travel to remove engines for servicing.where owners have problems in delivering an engine or boat to the workshop, 

For further Information contact:

Iain MacDonald 
Lucid PR
01463 724583; 07831 364804
imacdcontinuing@gmail.org.

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