Boats set to return to the water at our fisheries

Following a review of boat fishing at our reservoirs, we are pleased to announce that we plan to reintroduce boat fishing at our fisheries by the end of May, or sooner if possible.

Fisheries and Recreation Manager Philip Timings has provided an update about the review and how it will impact customers.

A review of boat fishing

This announcement follows the completion of a review of boat fishing at our fisheries.

The review focused on best practices and effective safety management in light of a report on the hire of recreational boats on private waters, such as our reservoirs.

The report made several new observations and recommendations, and we have taken the time to understand how this impacts our activities.

We remain proud of our strong track record of safety and providing a high-quality experience at an affordable price, and this review forms part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Our intention is to maintain the freedom and enjoyment that the use of boats provides to our customers while reducing risks.

We understand that the timing of this has been frustrating to many of our customers, for which we apologise, but we are pleased that we can now return the boats to the water with confidence and support from the wider business.

What can you expect?

We will be making some minor changes to how we operate the boats. These changes are summarised below.

• Before you head out, a member of the team will provide you with key information on using the boat safely, local hazards and what to do in an emergency.
• Additional safety information will be displayed on the boat, and throw lines will be provided to help in the event of an emergency.
• We will provide all boat users with lifejackets that will be checked and serviced regularly to ensure they meet the required standards.
• You will no longer be able to use your own engines or gunwale-mounted seats, although this is something that we will review again in the future. Seats that are mounted directly onto the boat’s internal seating will be permitted.

By making these changes, we aim to ensure that we operate in line with emerging best practice while ultimately protecting the safety of all boat anglers and ensuring the long-term operation of boats on our waters.

Our Fisheries and Recreation team are already working hard to implement these changes, as well as ensuring the boats are in tip-top condition for their return.

We thank you for your patience during this time.

Why can you no longer bring your own engine?

We acknowledge customers want to bring their own engines, and while we are suspending this initially, we will review this again when the boats are back on the water, with a desire to allow it in the future.

Where people bring their own equipment, we cannot be responsible for suitability, condition or liability arising from its use. Our rules have always stated: “Anyone using their own equipment (including but not limited to rods, nets, lifejackets and electric outboards) remains solely responsible for its condition and use. Wessex Water Services Limited accepts no responsibility for damage to personal belongings or that of others through the use of private equipment. Such equipment should be suitably insured and include 3rd liability."

For example, damage could be relatively minor, such as entangling another angler’s line or damaging equipment, such as rods. Electric outboards also have the potential to cause electric shocks or battery fires if not correctly serviced and maintained. More serious examples include a person falling overboard, the kill cord not working, and the boat continuing unmanned and colliding with another boat or person.

At the earliest opportunity, we will seek reasonable controls that we can put in place to enable customers to use their own engines again. This may require an additional declaration about the suitability of the equipment and potentially the requirement to provide evidence of suitable insurance to protect others against loss.

Reviewing and implementing the use of customer owned engines will therefore take a little time. We currently believe it is in the interests of everyone to return boats to the water with our own engines as a priority, rather than delay this initial return while undertaking further reviews.

Until we have completed a full review, including understanding the legal context on private waters, we are not in a position to comment in more detail. We can only assure our customers that we are aware of the issue and will work hard to try and enable the return of personal engines as quickly as possible in a safe and robust way.