Emily’s Code aims to prevent accidents at sea by highlighting key safety
messages and leaves a legacy in memory of 14-year old Emily Gardner.
On 2nd May 2015, Emily drowned in a boating accident due to an ill-fitting
buoyancy aid snagging on the cleat of a capsized speedboat. Emily’s Code
highlights some of the hazards that contributed to Emily’s accident.
Emily’s parents are launching the Code with the support of the Royal
Yachting Association (RYA), HM Coastguard, British Water Ski and Wakeboard,
and the RNLI to raise awareness for small boat owners and users.
Emily’s parents Clive and Debbie Gardner said: “Many parents like us have
no awareness of recreational boating safety guidelines and have never used
a boat before. When Emily went on a day trip with her friends, we were
reassured that safety was paramount and that the equipment was top notch.
“If just one family sees this and takes action to protect their children on
the water, then Emily’s Code will have succeeded and Emily’s name will live
on. Something as easy as checking that your lifejacket or buoyancy aid fits
properly can save your life. So be smart and follow Emily’s Code.”
Emily’s Code comes about as the result of close work by her parents
Clive and Debbie Gardner, their campaign supporter Cheryl Brown,
Richard Graham MP and the Royal Yachting Association.
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