Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is using this year's Boat Safety Week (25th until 31st May) to promote fire safety to boat owners who use the many miles of rivers and canals across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

In the past 20 years, 30 boaters were killed in boat fires and another 30 lost their lives due to the 'silent killer' carbon monoxide.

The key message for Boat Safety Week, timed for the start of the boating season, is that owners should understand the risks, make regular basic checks, and follow their engine and appliance operating guidelines, as the essential steps to deal with the fire and carbon monoxide threat.

Two information leaflets will be available at local boat yards and marinas to alert people to the risks and help them protect themselves and their passengers - the Fire Safety on Boats leaflet provides tips on how to protect your boat and, most importantly, your crew from fire, as well as what to do if a fire breaks out, while the Carbon Monoxide Safety on Boats leaflet highlights the safeguards boat owners can take to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

People can also get safety advice, with the top 10 tips to keep you safe from carbon monoxide available for smartphones, tablets and laptops at http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe/carbon-monoxide">www.boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe/carbon-monoxide-(co)

Station Commander Alan Haley from HWFRS said: "While boat fires are relatively infrequent in our Service area, they do have the potential for devastating consequences and so we would urge all boat users to take note of the advice above and do everything they can to stay safe."

He also reminded people to make sure they can give a good indication of their location when aboard a boat, explaining that access to rivers and canals can be difficult, but that good directions can help avoid any unnecessary delay in the event of an emergency.