WINDERMERE boat users have been urged to make vital safety checks on their boats in the run up to the start of the season.

The warning comes in the wake of two carbon monoxide incidents in the space of one week on Windermere.

The Lake District National Park Authority, which currently has 2,224 registered power driven vessels on England’s longest lake, is directing boat owners to information designed to help save lives.

Park management leader Steve Gaskell has encouraged users to learn about the risks, make basic checks and follow operating guidelines to cut the threat of carbon monoxide.

He said: “This is an important time, as boats are going back on the lake for spring and summer. We want users to enjoy the amazing scenery and tranquillity, but above all, we want them to be safe.

“CO can be lethal and is produced by anything that is fuel burning, including petrol and diesel engines, fixed and portable gas stoves, generators and even charcoal barbecues.

“Following two recent incidents on Windermere, we are continuing to work with the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) to alert our registered users to the risks and encourage them to protect themselves and their passengers."

He added that lake rangers will be handing out leaflets and people can get the ‘10 tips to keep you alive’ on www.boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe/carbon-monoxide-(co) or call the lake rangers on 0844 225 2922.