Cumbria's boating community is being warned about the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in helping to prevent fires or explosions on board.

Inspired by the Boat Fire Safety Week, Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, in coordination with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS), has been actively promoting safety alarms to ensure the wellbeing of the boating community.

Mr Allen said: "Whether it’s at lakes, coastal inlets, or harbours, motorised boats present a potential risk of fire, explosion and CO poisoning incidents.

"It’s incredibly important that boat owners ensure they have suitable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on their vessels, and also that they test them regularly."

 This week I joined firefighters from Red Watch at Whitehaven Fire Station, on a visit to Whitehaven Harbour to speak with boat owners and occupiers about fire safety.

"The message is clear, alarms save lives. I urge all boat owners to visit the CFRS website to check that they are doing all they can to keep themselves, their families and friends safe when on the water.”

"I urge all boat owners to visit the CFRS website to check that they are doing all they can to keep themselves, their families and friends safe when on the water."

Lauren Woodward, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Manager, said: "Despite all efforts, should fire break out or a CO escape occur, the critical survival factor will be the presence of suitable working smoke and CO alarms.

"Our website contains lists of suitable alarms and has advice from the manufacturers on the best places to fix the devices.

"Alarms should be tested using the test button routinely and the batteries replaced as necessary and never removed."

Earlier this year passengers were evacuated from the Windermere Lake Cruises boat MV Swift after smoke was detected coming from the engine room.

All 84 passengers on board were evacuated safely.