FIREFIGHTERS have issued a stark warning to boat owners as hundreds of craft are expected to converge in the region for the Olympic sailing events.

The message is: “Don’t drown in toxic smoke. Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly.”

Experts say toxic smoke can cause unconsciousness in just two or three breaths.

Firefighters are convinced a number of people who have died in UK boat fires in recent years would have survived had their vessels been fitted with working smoke alarms.

Several other craft may not have been destroyed if the owners had enough warning to call fire and rescue services.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service Olympic home safety advisor Joe Scott said: “We provide support to the sailing fraternity in the area and ensure there is boat safety information available for all our visitors.

“Boats are often in remote locations with difficult access, which may result in firefighters taking longer to arrive and allowing a fire to totally destroy the boat and everything onboard.

“Working smoke alarms make a difference to the outcome of fires on boats.

“All boats with overnight accommodation ought to have smoke alarms fitted that are suitable for boats.”

Visit boatsafetyscheme.com /fire for information about general boating fire safety.

• The RNLI provides a completely free sea safety check, personal face-to-face safety advice service.

Visit RNLI.org.uk for details