People across the North East have been urged to for people to stay safe and be mindful of the dangers of water this drowning prevention week.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS), as well as local authorities are teaming up to drive the message home.
With the summer months here, more people will be exploring waterways and enjoying the nice weather during the lighter nights with their friends or family on holiday, home or abroad.
Tommy Richardson, TWFRS Water Safety Lead, said: “Drowning Prevention Week is an opportunity for everyone to stop and think about their relationship with water. Most days, it will be our friend, but in some extreme situations, it becomes our foe.
“The average water temperature here in the North East is approximately 10 to 13 degrees all year round, which means people will quickly feel the effects of cold water shock on their bodies.
“We strongly advise that people swim on a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags or indoors at a lifeguard-attended swimming pool.
“Always adhere to the Water Safety Code as it could ultimately help to save your life or the life of a loved one.”
Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “With the warmer summer days on the horizon, we will inevitably see people flock to open water sites across the UK and Ireland, as well as taking opportunities to enjoy the water at home in the garden.
“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy water this summer and beyond by having the knowledge to do so safely. The RLSS works to equip families with the appropriate skills and knowledge to stay safe in, on and around water.”
All year round Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s prevention and education team visit schools, colleges, businesses and local community groups to provide invaluable water safety guidance and advice.
North East Ambulance Service: HART and resilience manager, Alun Ross from North East Ambulance Service said: “Unfortunately, as the weather gets warmer we can receive more calls to young people and adults who have found themselves in trouble or unwell in open bodies of water.
“This makes our call for more water safety awareness and vigilance around this time of year and even more important for Drowning Prevention Week.
“We encourage people to be safe when enjoying our waterways and coast responsibly. Even when water may appear calm and safe, it can sometimes be deceptive. Please think carefully before entering the water”.
Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director – preventative and community based services, said: “We recognise how vitally important it is for children to know how to stay safe near water.
“Drowning is preventable and with a little knowledge and awareness can be avoided.
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“We want children to be able to enjoy all the fun and benefits of being in and around water by being educated on how to do that safely. To that end, we would encourage people to take advantage of RLSS UK’s free online resources.”
The council is also doing its bit to directly promote water safety by staging a series of free Swim Safe sessions for children aged seven-14.
A total of 36 sessions will take place at Seaton Carew from June 22 - 30. Places can be booked at https://tinyurl.com/ytz6vfpr.
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