BOAT owners in Gloucestershire are being urged to make sure their vessels are safe to use this summer.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is holding two special events this week to make sure owners know about the risks of fire and carbon monoxide.

Working with the Boat Safety Scheme, firefighters will be talking to boat owners and providing information to educate owners and help them protect themselves and their passengers.

In the past 20 years, 30 boaters have been killed in boat fires and another 30 lost their lives to carbon monoxide, known as the silent killer.

Boat Fire Safety, which runs until Sunday, encourages owners to understand the risk, as well as the need to make regular, basic checks, and follow their engine and appliance operating guidelines.

A Fire Safety on Boats leaflet, which will be handed out by crews, provides tips on how to protect your boat and your crew from fire, as well as what to do if a fire breaks out.

The first event will take place on Thursday, June 2, from 10am at Tewkesbury Marina, and the second at Lechlade Marina and The Trout Inn, St John’s Lock, on Friday from 4pm.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “Boat Fire Safety week is a great chance for us to offer extra awareness to boat owners and users.

“You may think that this is something that will never happen to you, but in the event that it does, are you prepared? I hope that people take advantage of the support available and attend one of these events.”

People can also get safety advice on the go, with top tips to keep you safe available at boatsafetyscheme.org/CO and boatsafetyscheme.org/PetrolSafety.