Warning over water rescue equipment

Safety advice issued over throw bag rescue lines

Those taking to the water this summer are being warned to check any throw bag rescue lines they may have in their kit.

It follows concerns raised by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch, after one of the items failed during an exercise earlier this year.

The advice is being issued to commercial and recreational boat operators, as well as rowing and swimming clubs, and adventure centres.

The Office of Fair Trading says owners should check the integrity of the rescue lines, in  particular any knots and splices.

Although not classed as consumer goods under Manx legislation, the OFT is calling on anyone who finds a defective device to contact it in the first instance.

Chief Inspector of Trading Standards John Peet explains what to look out for.

Any defective items should be reported to the OFT on 686 500.