Hamble River Harbour Authority is urging sportsboaters to ensure they use kill-cords after a series of incidents over the summer.
Hamble River Harbour Authority is urging sportsboaters to ensure they use kill-cords after a series of incidents over the summer.
Assistant harbourmaster Jamie Williams said: “It’s got to the stage now where we’re surprised if we see someone wearing one. Something needs to be done.”
The authority is hoping to set an example by installing a new wireless kill-cord system on its 24ft river patrol boat.
Williams said: “We’re just trying to emphasise the fact that no one’s infallible. We deal with incidents daily, from towing to helping someone moor, and often we’re out on our own. With this we’re bringing down the risk factor.”
Simon Jinks, RYA chief instructor, said: “Kill-cords are a very good idea. All of our training is based around this. So many people have been chased around by errant powerboats. We’re very much in favour of this.”
