Catherine Forbes

“I have continuing industry wide concerns which, I believe, your organisation is in a position to take account of and review. I note from your response dated 28 May 2024 that British Marine and YHA are keen to ensure that marinas are as safe as possible. The particular concern is in relation to persons falling into the marina, on their own and unwitnessed, and what measures are in place to enable them to get out or raise the alarm. Perhaps the main issue relates to sufficiently designed ladders,”

“mind, I enquire if there are flotation devices or small platforms which sit on the surface of the water which a person could access more easily? I also enquire if there are alarm systems that exist or could be considered which can be activated from the water. I appreciate of course they would need to be non-electrical or non-battery or fully waterproof. Further”

“with regard to the Gold Anchor Award, it appears that the important issue of safety is not one of the key attributes or evaluation categories. Thames and Kennet held the top 5 Gold Anchors at the time of Ms [name redacted] death but were not fully compliant with the TYHA 2013 Code of Practice in relation to the length of all ladders.”