BOATERS will be advised by council staff on a range of potential safety hazards.

Oxford Water Safety Group, featuring representatives from Oxfordshire County Council, the city council, the fire service, the Environment Agency, Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service, will be distributing an advice leaflet and safety items throughout today.

A boat will be launched from Osney Lock, West Oxford, to visit boaters along the Thames.

Staff will speak to boaters about rotten gang planks, damaged ropes and ‘complacency’ about fire risks.

Judith Heathcoat, the county council’s cabinet member for safety, said: “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“Smoke alarms are not expensive and will give everyone valuable time to escape safely.

“Maintaining vessels is so important. Rotten gang planks can collapse, resulting in anyone standing on them tumbling into the water.

“Boats might drift out of control if mooring ropes snap, striking and damaging other boats and structures before sinking. And boating under the influence of alcohol is another accident risk.”

Russell Robson, from the Environment Agency, said: “We are pleased to be supporting this event.

“We want all boaters to be aware of the dangers and to take sensible precautions to avoid unnecessary accidents.”