Dont let flares off, unless in distress on fireworks night

The RNLI's team of Sea Safety volunteers are reminding people around the coast of the risk of firing distress flares (marine pyrotechnics) as a source of entertainment this Firework Night (5 November) because it is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous.

Marine pyrotechnics, commonly known as 'flares' are designed to be fired over water, so when the flare comes back down to the ground (if fired over land) it is likely to still be extremely hot and can cause serious burns or a fire. Flares are a vital part of safety equipment for those going to sea for work or leisure purposes but should not be used in non-distress situations.

Flares are intended as a means of signalling for help when in distress at sea to assist the RNLI's lifeboat or the Coastguard's rescue helicopter crews in locating vessels. That's why any misuse of flares, such as for entertainment during halloween, firework and bonfire night celebrations, could divert search and rescue assets away from a genuine emergency.

As a lifesaving charity the RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews will always respond to a call for help. While the misuse of flares equates to just under 3% of the 8,141 lifeboat launches in 2007, it is crucial that flares are not fired unless in a distress situation. In the past five years* lifeboats have launched a total of 1,175 times to incidents where flares were fired in false alarms or as hoax situations, that's an average of 235 lifeboat launches a year.

Peter Chennell, RNLI Sea Safety Manager adds:

'Because it's illegal to let a flare off in a non-distress situation, they are not a part of your marine safety kit you can easily familiarise yourself with. That's why the RNLI offers free flare demonstrations to boating clubs or groups of sea users. We explain the differences between types of flares, how to use them and also show the correct and safe way to fire flares if you're faced with a distress situation. After all, the worst time to be reading the instructions on a flare is the time you actually need to use it in a real life situation!'

When flares reach their expiry date they should be carefully disposed of, the temptation to fire them as a means of disposal should be avoided. Guidance on the disposal of time expired pyrotechnics is available on the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's website www.mcga.gov.uk **

Commenting on the firing of flares in non-distress situations, Jim McWilliams, Head of Search and Rescue at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency says:

'The firing of a red flare in a non distress situation is illegal under the Merchant Shipping Act and could divert valuable search and rescue assets away from a genuine search and rescue emergency. Marine distress flares are NOT fireworks, and if used incorrectly can be extremely dangerous.

'Out of date pyrotechnics should not be disposed of on bonfires, where they may explode unexpectedly. Marine flares are designed to be used in the maritime environment and should only be used in a distress situation.

'Flares must never be used after expiry date. Pyrotechnics must be treated as hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly in accordance with regulations and local rules.'

For more information on arranging a FREE RNLI flare safety demonstration for your boating club please contact 0800 328 0600 or visit: www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety