The charity is warning people against taking to the water after drinking

Life saving charity RNLI is warning people against
taking to the water after drinking as a sailor appears in court over
reckless actions.


Liam Balneaves admitted a charge of causing
danger to himself and lifeboat staff when he appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court
recently.


The 26-year-old had to be rescued on July
31 last year when he became stranded after taking a fishing boat from Montrose Harbour
while intoxicated.


Scotland RNLI’s community incident
reduction manager Michael Avril said: “We all know that consumption of alcohol
can quickly impair judgment and cause us to make irrational decisions.


“It can also result in accelerated loss of body
heat if you become immersed in water. We would advise anyone going near the
water to steer clear of alcohol.”


Co-accused 38-year-old Paul Ross entered a
not guilty plea on the same charge.


Sheriff Pino Di Emidio deferred sentencing
until September 11, requesting a social worker report.


Both men have pledged to donate £300 to the
RNLI following the incident.


The case comes shortly after the charity
launched a campaign called ‘Respect the Water’, warning people against the
dangers that the sea poses.


An RNLI spokesperson said: “Our volunteers
are willing and able to go to the aid of those in trouble at sea 24/7, but the
most effective method of life-saving we have is prevention.


“We would prefer people to use good
judgment, follow advice and avoid getting themselves into an unnecessarily
dangerous situation.”  

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