New 'boaters' fire safety guide to be launched in Athlone

The official launch of 'A Boater's Guide to Fire Safety' will take place at Hodson Bay Harbour, on Lough Ree in Athlone, tomorrow (Tuesday, July 28, 5pm).

The launch is being held in conjunction with the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Shannon Boat Rally 2026, with rally participants berthed at Hodson Bay Harbour for the occasion.

Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Fire Safety Ireland, the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, and the Heritage Boat Association, is launching the new fire safety guide, which is aimed at promoting safer boating across Ireland's inland waterways.

The initiative follows a number of serious vessel fires in recent years and seeks to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with boating, while encouraging practical steps that can help prevent incidents before they occur.

In a press release issued on behalf of Waterways Ireland, it said that while fire incidents on the inland waterways remain relatively uncommon, even a small fire on-board can escalate rapidly, making prevention and early detection critical. It said that by increasing awareness and encouraging simple preventative measures, the campaign aims to positively influence the behaviours of the many thousands of people who enjoy Ireland's inland waterways each year.

The new guide includes 'clear, practical advice for boat owners and users', Waterays Ireland said, including fitting and testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, safe use and storage of LPG cylinders, electrical safety and battery charging, safe cooking and heating practices, fire extinguishers and fire blankets, developing a fire action plan, and carrying out a simple nightly fire safety check before going to bed.

Peter Harty, inspector of navigation and maritime safety lead with Waterways Ireland, said: "Fire on-board a vessel can develop rapidly and, in the confined environment of a boat, the consequences can be devastating. Fortunately, many on-board fires are preventable through simple precautions and good planning. This guide has been developed to help boaters understand the risks and take practical steps to protect themselves, their passengers and their vessels.”

Waterways Ireland thanked Fire Safety Ireland, the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and the Heritage Boat Association for its 'expertise, collaboration and commitment' in developing the initiative.

Waterways Ireland encourages all boat owners, hirers, clubs and waterway users to download and read the guide before heading afloat. The digital guide is available from Waterways Ireland – Fire Safety on Boats and www.fireireland.ie

Boaters requiring further information are encouraged to contact Waterways Ireland at info@waterwaysireland.org. Additional fire safety advice is available from www.fireireland.ie