Being aware of the dangers around open water more important than ever

Firefighters are urging Cheshire residents to take extra care when exercising around water.

The latest national drowning prevention campaign started on Monday 20 April.

Called ‘Be Water Aware’, the dedicated week of action runs until Saturday April 26 and is led by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and supported by fire and rescue services all over the UK.

Nick Evans, Head of Prevention at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has changed all of our lives, but something that will never change is our support of national drowning prevention weeks.

“Fire and rescue services throughout the country have successfully reduced the number of fire deaths by focusing on prevention work, and the same principle must be applied to tackling drowning.

“Response is not enough, we must prevent drownings.

“Drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, and more than half of accidental drownings in the UK occur when people did not intend to go in the water.

“It is essential that people are aware of the risks and dangers of being around water, particularly when out exercising during this lockdown period as there is much less chance of someone being on hand to help should you get into difficulty in water.

“Since the lockdown began last month a man died after going into the River Weaver in Northwich after a dog had fallen in.

“A woman also went into the water as part of that incident. We rescued her from the river’s embankment.

“We also rescued a horse from the Bridgewater Canal in Warrington this month after the animal and its rider had both fallen in.

“Thankfully she was able to get herself out of the water before firefighters arrived.

“Where possible, we ask that you stay away from open water as you can easily slip, trip or fall while on narrow towpaths or riverside walkways.

“Please do your daily exercise run, walk or cycle elsewhere, but if you do find yourself near local waterways while exercising then please take extra care and be mindful that there are less people around at the moment to raise the alarm if you find yourself in difficulty.”

Nick urges residents to following this advice:

• It is particularly important that you stay away from open water if you have consumed alcohol or taken drugs
• If you exercise near water make sure you would know what to do if you fall in – the advice is to not panic, float on your back and make a star shape if you cannot stand up in the water and then either call for help or swim to safety
• Wear sturdy footwear whenever you are near open water to lessen your chances of falling in
• If you are going out to exercise near open water make sure that you tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
• Make sure that you are familiar with local safety information regarding waterways, look out for any hazards and adhere by any signage
• Stick to proper paths when walking by open water and bear in mind social distancing ahead of venturing out to exercise – often paths along canals and rivers are narrow
• Your children need to be supervised at all times when they are near open water
• Never enter open water to try to help a person or animal – always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available.

Nick added: “If your dog ever gets into difficulty after jumping or falling into water please do not follow them in.

“Most dogs manage to scramble out, but some owners are not so lucky. Please don’t risk it.”

For more information and water safety advice go to https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/public-safety/outdoor-safety/water-safety.

For more details about the NFCC’s Be Water Aware campaign visit https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Be-Water-Aware.