Parents and youngsters urged to put water safety first this summer

Parents and youngsters are being urged to put safety first when out and about near water this summer.

The message comes from community safety partners across Darlington and County Durham ahead of Drowning Prevention Week.

Lives are lost every year in coastal and inland waters, but many of the deaths are preventable. The annual Drowning Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of water safety ahead of the summer holidays.

Billy McAloon, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s Darlington District Manager, said: “If you do find yourself in trouble in the water, our advice is float to live.

“Tilt your head back with your ears under the water and use your hands to help you stay afloat. When you are floating, call for help or try to steer with your arms towards land.

“If you see someone in difficulty in the water, follow the Call, Tell, Throw advice. Call 999 and ask for the fire service. Explain where you are. If you are unsure of the location, look for landmarks or use the ‘what3words’ app. Tell the person in the water not to panic and to float on their back. Throw them something that floats such as a throw bag, if nearby.

“If they are attached to a rope, make sure you hold the end so you can pull the person in. If you manage to get the person out of the water, remember, they will always need medical attention as they may have hypothermia or water in the lungs.”

Cllr Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the summer, whether they’re planning a trip to the beach, a riverside walk or a holiday by the poolside.

“But we’re asking that they put safety first and that’s why we’re backing the RLSS UK campaign and working with partners to raise awareness of the Water Safety Code to help keep our children, young people and adults safe.”

Matt Croxall, interim charity director at the RLSS UK, said: “Last Drowning Prevention Week, an estimated 1.25 million children used our resources to learn about water safety, but this year we want to see more young people being safe in, on and around water.

“We are grateful for Darlington Borough Council’s support and sharing our campaign with its partners. By doing so it reinforces the importance of water safety education ahead of the school holidays as more families and young people look to access open water, often in locations that they are unfamiliar with.

“Looking ahead, as a charity we hope to see everyone enjoying water safely in communities free from drowning.”

Think twice before taking the plunge this summer and follow some simple rules:

• Never let young children go near water without an adult who can point out dangers or help if someone gets into trouble – we always advise keeping young children within arm’s reach near water.
• Never jump in or suddenly immerse yourself in cold water as the shock could kill you.
• Look out for warning signs and follow their instructions.
• Stay together - never swim alone, always go with friends or family.
• Don’t drink alcohol if you are taking part in water activities or walking near water.
• If you fall in the water, don’t panic – extend your arms and legs to float and shout for help.
• Learn what do if you see someone in difficulty: never get into the water to try to rescue them. Shout for help, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service and if possible, throw them something that floats.
• Remember 999 calls on mobiles will find any network signal, even if your own network isn’t covered.
• Download the what3words app on your phone – it gives the emergency services your exact location, even if you are in a remote spot, and will help them reach you more quickly.