East Riding of Yorkshire Council has issued a reminder to holiday park operators and guests about the importance of gas-appliance safety following the deaths of two teenagers at a holiday park in East Yorkshire last month.
The council said it is contacting local accommodation providers to share guidance on carbon monoxide safety and to outline measures businesses should take to help prevent potential incidents. The outreach follows the deaths of Ethan Slater, 17, and Cherish Bean, 15, at Little Eden Holiday Park near Bridlington on February 18.
Humberside Police previously said post-mortem examinations had not yet established a confirmed cause of death, though carbon monoxide poisoning remains a primary line of inquiry. Authorities have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In response, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it is reinforcing safety guidance for businesses operating holiday accommodation, including holiday parks and similar facilities. Officials are also advising visitors about what safety measures they should expect when booking short-term accommodation.
Councillor Lyn Healing told BBC News: “We would like to reinforce the importance of businesses ensuring regular servicing and maintenance of gas appliances, alongside installation of carbon monoxide alarms.
“We also want to provide residents and visitors with simple information about what they should expect, and look out for, when booking holiday accommodation.”
According to the council, gas appliances should be serviced annually by a registered engineer and tested regularly to ensure they remain in safe working condition. Operators are also encouraged to install carbon monoxide alarms and confirm they are functioning properly as part of routine safety checks.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by appliances that burn gas, wood, oil, or coal when those systems malfunction or are improperly ventilated. Because the gas is colorless and odorless, it can be difficult to detect without a functioning alarm.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, chest or muscle pain, shortness of breath, and vision problems. The council said anyone who suspects exposure should stop using appliances immediately, open windows and doors to ventilate the space, go outside, and seek medical attention.
For professionals operating holiday parks, RV parks, and other outdoor hospitality accommodations, the council’s guidance highlights the operational importance of documented gas-safety procedures.
Routine maintenance schedules, clear safety documentation, and visible carbon monoxide alarms can play a role not only in protecting guests but also in demonstrating compliance with safety standards and regulatory expectations.
Operators may also consider incorporating safety checks into housekeeping or maintenance protocols between guest stays, as well as maintaining records of appliance servicing by registered engineers.
These measures can help reduce risk and provide reassurance to guests during the booking process, particularly as safety awareness increases following incidents such as the February 18 case.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it will continue sharing information with local businesses and residents to support awareness of carbon monoxide risks and prevention practices.