Sailing is a wonderfully exhilarating pastime - but it can also be dangerous.
The challenge of the sea is all part of the attraction, of course, but safety should always be uppermost in your mind.

Follow some basic rules and you will avoid a lot of the potential problems, especially if you are new to sailing.

For a start, always sail at a recognised club or launching location and check all equipment for reliability before casting off.

Always check the weather forecast before sailing, be aware of offshore winds and tell someone where you are going and when you’ll be back. About 80 percent of all boating deaths are from drowning. So never sail without wearing either a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. And remember to drink plenty of water in advance, so you do not become dehydrated at sea.

It is essential that you protect your head, hands and feet when sailing.
Protection from the sun is vital because reflection from the water, even on a cloudy day, can produce sunburn. Apply a sunscreen - the stronger the better - to all exposed areas of skin before setting off, and reapply at regular intervals.

Heat loss is one of the biggest dangers faced when sailing, and prolonged exposure to cold can quickly lead to exhaustion. About a third of all body heat is lost through your head, so some form of headgear is essential. It will keep you warm on cold days and also prevent sunstroke.

As a general rule, wearing gloves will protect your hands and keep them warm and specialised sailing gloves, with non-slip reinforced fingers and palms, are best. Correct footwear should protect your feet and provide the grip you need to stay upright. Sailing shoes and boots should have flat, non-slip soles. Don’t be tempted to sail in bare feet. It is easy to slip on wet areas and you will risk injury from deck gear.
Out at sea, remember the old saying: “One hand for the boat, one hand for yourself.” Always hold on - and be ready for anything. A large wave or sudden gust of wind can toss a boat about without warning. If you are standing, bend your knees for better balance.

If you are on a keelboat, you should wear a safety harness, which will clip on to a solid object, leaving your hands free for handling lines and sheets. But you should never use a safety harness on a dinghy, which can capsize.

Finally, you should develop a healthy respect for the sea and always sail within the limits of your experience.

And remember the No 1 golden safety rule of sailing - “When in doubt, don’t go out!”