Ahead of this year’s tourist season, the Broads Authority and partners have released a new series of videos, to help inform all boat hirers how to stay safe on the Broads.
The new ‘how to’ boating videos are intended for new hirers and new private boat owners to watch before their visit, to help them get the most out of their time on the Broads. Hirers will be emailed a link to the videos before their holiday, to complement the safety handover they receive when they hire a boat. It is hoped that the videos will help to acquaint visitors with their boats and improve handling skills.
When the first lockdown ended last summer, the Broads experienced a very busy tourist season, as many visitors stayed locally instead of heading abroad. The Broads welcomed an influx of new visitors to the area, including those who had never been paddling or had set foot on a boat before.
Broads Authority Chief Executive John Packman welcomed the videos and said: “In anticipation of another exceptionally busy summer, the Authority and its partners are focusing all efforts towards keeping visitors safe on the Broads.
“I hope these engaging videos will really help people get to grips with the basics of boating and paddle sports. We are encouraging all our partners, hire boat companies and visitors to share them widely to help raise awareness of how to stay safe on the water.”
The videos cover topics such as: preparing for your holiday before you leave, how to stay safe, what to do if someone falls overboard, navigating bridges, ropes and knots, how to moor up, crossing Breydon Water and a guide to paddle sports. View the videos here: Broads Boating Essentials – YouTube
Greg Munford, Chief Executive, Richardsons Leisure Ltd, said of the videos: “We have been delighted to help with this initiative by the Broads Authority in partnership with the Broads Hire Boat Federation and other stakeholders. It is most welcome as we see unprecedented levels of customers that are new to boating, wishing to explore the wonders of our Broads National Park.
“These engaging and informative videos will give our customers some important information on what they can expect on arrival, during their stay and help them prepare for the all-important river trial that they must complete with our trained team before they cast off on their holiday.”
All nine animated videos are narrated by television personality, outdoor enthusiast and keen wildlife photographer Shauna Lowry, who said of the videos: “I love the Broads and the area is a fond favourite for my family on our own little boat, so it was great to be involved.
“Even though we are regular visitors, reading these scripts reminded me of some useful do’s and don’ts for when we’re on the water and I can’t wait to get back to this beautiful National Park later this year.”
In addition to the new videos, four new Assistant Seasonal Rangers will be out patrolling the Broads to maximize Ranger presence during the peak visitor season and allow Rangers to help more new visitors.
The videos were produced by the Broads Authority in collaboration with the Broads Hire Boat Federation, Broads Beat, HM Coastguard, British Marine, the Royal Yachting Association, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
For more information please see the boating essentials web page: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/boating-essentials/
For information on the Lockdown Roadmap and the Broads see: Coronavirus (COVID-19) information (broads-authority.gov.uk)
