Dr John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority has urged people to avoid drinking alcohol while on the Broads (Image: Mike Page/Newsquest)
Boaters have been warned against drinking alcohol on the Norfolk Broads following a string of incidents this summer.
John Packman, chief executive of the Broads Authority, urged people visiting the county’s waterways to avoid drinking alcohol to keep themselves out of harm’s way.
His comments came during a debate about water safety at a recent navigation committee meeting.
It follows the death of a Nottingham man in August, who died after falling into the River Bure at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station before being swept away by strong currents
That same month, a 25-year-old man from Dereham also drowned after jumping into Wroxham Broad for a midnight swim.
While the circumstances of these deaths remain unclear, Mr Packman warned drinking alcohol and being on the water do not mix.
He said: “Three key messages I want people to remember are to wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when moving around on boats.
“Drinking substantial amounts of alcohol while on the water is not a sensible thing to do.
“People should avoid swimming in the Broads unless it is an organised event.”
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