Janet's Blog – Summer 2026

I’ve always been told that heroes come in many shapes and sizes – and that was certainly brought home to me by a recent event at the marina.  The other Sunday evening I’d just finished pottering around at home with the horses, when I got a call from someone on the yard to say there was an awful lot of smoke coming from the marina.  I stuck my head out and it was drifting across the orchard – horrible dark, acrid smoke.  Heart pounding I shouted for Angus and we headed straight down to the marina, en route speaking to David, our marina manager, who confirmed my worst fear – there was a boat fire.

We’ve often had conversations in the office about how to deal with such a situation and to say we were trained and ready is probably an understatement, but still nothing prepares you for the moment you see someone’s pride and joy going up in flames.  Our first concerns were getting the fire brigade in quickly and efficiently and ensuring everyone was safe.  Angus and David hot tailed it around to the fire, whilst Suzanne and I waited for the emergency services. 

The relief we all felt when we knew that the boat’s owner was safe was immense.  Saved by heroes who broke a window to get that person out, heroes who raised the alarm in many different ways, heroes who took care of that person and offered all kinds of help, heroes who risked their own lives to put the fire out, heroes who have made the boat safe, and heroes who have continued to offer help.

It also brought home to us the importance of making sure you have multiple ways to get out – not just in your boat, but your caravan or home and I’ll certainly be checking all our exits at home are kept clear.  In the next week or two we’ll talking about how we can raise awareness of fire safety and hope to get the fire brigade involved – but for now – check all your exits and make sure your smoke alarms are fitted AND working – this fire was caused by an electrical fault – something that most of us would know nothing about.  

I am so proud of the community that we call Overwater – when the chips are down you all certainly know how to react!