AS Dorset boat owners take to the water following the easing of government restrictions, they have been advised on how to do this safely and with minimum risk.

After such a long period of inactivity, the RNLI are hoping to aid boat owners with any potential problems they may have by issuing advice.

Clive Edwards, RNLI Water Safety Officer for Weymouth Lifeboat Area, has published the following guidelines for local boat owners.

  1. Take extra care to access your craft safely and in accordance with government guidance on travel and social distancing.
  2. Carry out a check to ensure your craft has remained seaworthy and mechanically sound.
  3. Check that emergency equipment such as lifejackets, flares, VHF radio, PLBs etc are still in working order and remain in date.
  4. Give due regard to the prevailing and forecast weather conditions.
  5. Consider the risk that your activities may result in having to depend on emergency services at a time when social distancing is impacting lifeboat crews and Coastguard Rescue Teams.
  6. 6 Bear in mind that some marine leisure facilities in the area may still be closed and therefore unavailable.
  7. Make sure you always have a means of calling for help and keep it within reach.

For more information, visit www.rnli.org.