A NEW report into the tragic deaths of a mother and daughter from carbon monoxide poisoning inside a boat on Windermere has been released.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) conducted a report following the deaths of a mother and her 10-year-old daughter on a pleasure craft on the lake, publishing their findings on Tuesday, January 27.

The report, supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCMG) made up of MPs and Peers, stated that improvements in safety and awareness of Carbon Monoxide (CO) need to be made urgently.

It found that when Kelly Webster, 36, and Lauren Thornton, 10, died aboard the vessel 'Arniston' in April 2013, there were serious health and safety errors made.

According to the report, the installation of the portable air-cooled petrol generator in the enclosed engine bay was against the advice provided by the manufacturer, the improvised exhaust system fitted to the generator was not fit for purpose and the boat's occupants were not alerted to the presence of CO because the alarms fitted on board were not working.

It concludes that all critical safety work on boats should be undertaken by a competent marine engineer using the correct materials.

Following the report's findings, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS), a public safety project owned jointly by the Canal River Trust and the Environment Agency, outlined some 'basic but vital points' to help keep boat users safe from carbon monoxide - known as the silent killer.

It states that boast users should have an understanding of what causes CO gas to build on boats and should be able to recognise the symptoms which include dizziness, headaches, a short temper, sudden loss of balance and difficulty breathing or controlling limbs.

The BSS goes on to outline that appliances on boats should be fitted in conjunction with the manufacturer's guidelines, adequate ventilation should be provided and CO alarms should be fitted and regularly checked.

Jason McCartney MP, co-chair of the APPCMG, said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims of these awful tragedies on boats. It's vital the public understands that CO is a deadly gas which emanates from many different sources, not just domestic gas boilers.

"We hope there is swift action to implement the recommendations outlined by the MAIB report so that similar tragedies can be avoided in the future.

"CO poisoning is a threat in your home, on boats and in tents.

"Be vigilant and we can stop these tragic deaths."