Man overboard on Audlem Lass

Readers may be interested in an update of the Audlem Lass' activities so far this season. To date, 2031 persons have used the service, mainly between Lock 15 and the Overwater Marina, and that has raised through donations the grand total of £1755.

Yesterday was a very important training day for the team of volunteer coxswains. In the morning, all available crew travelled from Overwater Marina through the Shroppie Fly basin to lock 12 and returned to Overwater Marina. In the afternoon, the team carried out a man over board drill and familiarisation. At 10.00am, seven crew members joined the boat at Overwater Marina and motored to lock 15.

We then took turns to manoeuvre the boat up four locks through the Shroppie Fly basin (and then turned and carried out the same procedure down the lock system and in turn returned to Overwater Marina. Lunch was provided by the Salad Bowl at the Marina while we / the crew discussed the morning's activities. Back into the boat at 2.00pm and we returned to lock 15 and then moored up. Shock horror as Anthony Davis, a  member of staff at the Marina, fell overboard as he was getting aboard.

The crew then carried out the activity of a safe recovery of Anthony. We / the boat then started to make its way back towards the Marina. Not a good day for Anthony – possibly shock from his first tumble – falls in to the canal again. This time he is an unconscious man over board. Again the crew carried out a safe recovery of Anthony. Now we are heading for the Marina to dry Anthony out. Crikey! Anthony falls in yet again just as we are approaching the landing stage pontoon at the Marina.

Again the crew are tasked with a third scenario of another safe recovery. We then, slightly damp, moored the boat at the Marina and Anthony disappeared for a warm shower – and an Oscar! This exercise has a serious side – the crew's focus on the safe passage of customers aboard the boat. The day and its actions have allowed us time to work through and test the Risk Assessment and Safe Methods of Work relating to the boat. We thank Anthony and the Marina for their support through the day and the venture.

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