Keeping Safe

(Date of issue: Friday 20 June 2008)

As part of the continued improvements and enhancement of Talkin Tarn a series of new safety features are being installed. One such warning system consisting of a simple flagpole, was put in this week near the tea-room, so that people using the water are able at a glance to see from the flags being flown how suitable the conditions are on the Tarn for watersports.

This easy to understand green, amber and red warning system is designed to guide users as to whether it is safe to go out on the water. Staff at the Tarn will use wind speed and general weather conditions to guide them as to which flag to fly. This is being done as part of a range of measures to improve safety at the Tarn by ensuring we give people as much information as possible. People are encouraged to use the Tarn for a variety of water based activities, however, the majority are part of authorised groups or clubs who are allowed to use the Tarn out of office hours, because they adhere to strict health and safety measures.

As part of that we are keen to remind non-authorised sailors or canoeists that come down out of hours pose a very high risk to themselves and are not allowed to use the facilities, especially when they are unmanned. If they wish to use the Tarn then they must report to the site office or tea-room to purchase a boat launch permit to allow them to use the Tarn. They must first read and sign the safety terms and conditions for using the Tarn before being allowed on the water and their boats will also be checked over for suitability. We also want to remind visitors to the Tarn that that no unauthorised swimming is allowed in the Tarn and that includes paddling. The staff at the Tarn take safety very seriously and want to ensure that everyone that uses the Tarn does so safely.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, the City Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:

"Talkin Tarn has an excellent safety record, but as part of our commitment to the people that use the Tarn we want to ensure that as much information as possible is provided to ensure that our excellent track record is maintained and that consequently everyone who wishes to use the facilities does so safely.’’