Stay safe - be water aware

Spring is in the air and as the warmer weather beckons community safety partners across Darlington and County Durham have issued a timely reminder to put safety first when out and about near water.

While keen for everyone to enjoy themselves, members of Darlington and County Durham’s separate Open Water Safety Groups want to ensure people are aware of the dangers when near the water as the Easter holidays approach.

The groups are also supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) ‘Be Water Aware’ week, 22-28 April, a national drowning prevention and water safety campaign which aims to highlight the risks so people can spend time in, on or around water safely. It also offers advice on what to do if you fall into water or how to help someone who is struggling in water.

Cllr Amanda Riley, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “More than 300 people across the UK and Ireland lose their lives as a result of accidental drowning each year.

“We continue to work closely with the fire and rescue service, police and other partners as part of the Open Water Safety Group to raise awareness of the dangers and promote water safety in a bid to help reduce the number of tragedies.

“As we look forward to the warmer months, and school holidays to come, it’s even more important that we do all we can to share that safety message and support campaigns such as Be Water Aware so everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely.”

Sarah Litt, community safety team leader at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: “We understand that going into open water can be tempting, especially when it is warm and sunny, but we are encouraging all members of the public not to take risks. Although the water looks inviting from the surface, it is still cold enough to induce Cold Water Shock, not to mention the dangers lurking beneath that you cannot see from the surface. 

"In addition, we would like to encourage everyone to download the what3words app onto your phone. If you were ever to come into difficulties either around the water or in a remote location, the app allows emergency services to pinpoint your location immediately.”

Inspector Matt Plumb, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “In spring and summer, when the weather is warm, it can be tempting to cool off in rivers.

“But water that looks calm and inviting on the surface can hide danger underneath, such as rocks and discarded rubbish to strong undercurrents.

“Even on the hottest of days, the water temperature can still be extremely cold. This can trigger cold water shock which can leave you breathless and helpless in seconds.

“Please, always remember to respect the water to keep you and those around you safe.”

Cllr John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for community safety at Durham County Council, which chairs the County Durham Open Water Safety Group, added: “Like everyone else, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will pick up soon and looking forward to a hopefully hot summer ahead.

“We know many people will be spending time at rivers, lakes and beaches once warmer weather arrives and we hope they enjoy themselves when doing so. But it is really important they bear in mind that going in the water comes with risks and it is therefore vital that people follow the advice of the NFCC, RNLI and other water safety campaigns that are in place to protect them.”

Follow these simple rules to keep you, your family and friends safe:

If someone falls into deep water:

• Call 999 straight away, ask for the fire and rescue service and explain where you are. If you are unsure of the location, look for landmarks or signs – bridges may be able to identify your location. Or if you have a phone, check maps or use the ‘what3words’ app (ideally download it before you head out).
• Don’t hang up, stay on the line but try to continue to help the person if you can.
• Once you’ve made the call, shout for help from anyone who might be close by.
• Don’t enter the water yourself to try to save someone. You are likely to go into shock if you go into cold water which will leave you unable to help, even if you are a strong swimmer.
• Look around for any lifesaving equipment there might be such as lifebelts or throw bags. If they are attached to a rope, make sure you hold or secure the end so you can pull the person in. If there is no lifesaving equipment look at what else you can use – even a ball or something that floats can help.
• If you manage to get the person out of the water, they will always need medical attention – even if they seem fine. They may have hypothermia or water in the lungs.

If you fall in the water:

• Resist the urge to thrash around and try to float on your back. Only once you are floating call for help or try to steer with your arms towards shore.

The Darlington Open Water Safety Group consists of Darlington Borough Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and other partners and aims to raise awareness of the dangers in and around water and promote key safety messages.

For more information about the Be Water Aware campaign visit the NFCC website at: https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/campaigns/be-water-aware-24-30-april/ and for other useful water safety advice visit the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service website at www.ddfire.gov.uk/water-safety