Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Check out Stuart
Skilton's advice for staying safe in boats.

by Jo Earle

If you’re planning to go boating this summer
then make safety your number one priority.

That’s the message from Kent Fire and
Rescue.

They're urging anyone in the county to stay
safe when out on a boat due to a high amount of fire-related
incidents on boats every year.

On average, 89 fire-related accidents and
injuries occur on boats every year in the UK. Fires on
privately-owned boats kill at least three people every year.

Especially with events such as
Maidstone's River Festival this weekend, taking simple
preventative measures can minimise the risks.

Stuart Skilton is head of community safety at
Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

"There could be fires that spread very
quickly, it's just to make sure you're doing the right things in
terms of personal safety and making sure you are well aware of
other people using the boats on the river.

"When you kind of let your guard down that’s
when some of those things can happen. If you don't cook in the
right manner; if you're not using your fuel - like liquid petroleum
gas - correctly, then those sorts of things can lead to a fire
or even death.

“Simply we're saying to people be careful when
you're on boats.

"There are significant risks in terms of
cooking, smoking, make sure you dispose of things like cigarettes
or if your using candles use them properly and above all make sure
you have an escape plan."

• For more on the Maidstone River Festival - including video - click on this link.