Concerns have been raised following reports of teenagers and young people jumping into water from bridges and harbours in Northumberland.
The issue has been reported at the Hagg Bank railway bridge over the River Tyne near Wylam and on the coast at Beadnell and Seaton Sluice.
It comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, a UN initiative serving as an opportunity to highlight the tragic effect of drowning on families and communities.
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Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, warned of the danger of jumping off Hagg Bank bridge over the Tyne. A footpath between Prudhoe and Wylam takes in the former railway bridge.
Coun Stewart said: "I am saddened to hear that some young people have again been jumping from this bridge into the Tyne this week. It is something that has happened for generations, but the dangers are real."
In 2020, a man was taken to the RVI in Newcastle after falling from height and injuring themselves at the bridge. Police later issued a warning and said they would be stepping up patrols in the area after further reports of people jumping from the bridge.
The practice is also an issue on the coast - earlier this year, Beadnell's harbour master Anthony McAdam warned the harbour could be forced to close to the public due to the dangerous antics of people who leap from its walls in front of passing boats.
It is also a common sight in Seaton Sluice. Local councillor David Ferguson, who represents the Hartley ward, does not want to stop people from doing so, but said more education on keeping safe is needed.
Coun Ferguson said: "We've always got people raising concerns. I've lived here all my life and it's something that has been going on for years and years.
"It's not something we're ever going to stop, and there is always danger but it's the education and the knowledge, making sure that the people going to do it understand the risks of cold water shock, are strong swimmers and that they check the depth of the water.
"People had contacted me with concerns about teenagers drinking alcohol and then jumping in, which does increase the risk. It is more about getting the messages like that out there and saying how people can decrease the risk of doing it.
"If you say don't do it, people will do it more. Make sure you check nothing is hidden under the water, check the tides and learn how to spot rip currents, and what to do if you get caught in a rip current and how to get help if you need it."
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has water safety advice on its website, warning that drowning is amongst the leading causes of accidental death in the UK. The advice states:
The water may look calm on the surface, but there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water.
The water may feel warm on the surface, but just a few feet below the surface it can be icy cold. The cold water can affect stamina and strength of swimmers.
Alcohol and swimming do not mix - stay out of the water if you have been drinking.
Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.
Never interfere with lifesaving equipment - you might need it yourself.
Swimming anywhere other than at purpose built and supervised swimming pools is highly dangerous and is not recommended, unless as part of an organised club.
If you do fall or jump into deep water and get into difficulty, you should:
- lie on your back and FLOAT
- Fight the instinct to panic or swim - it's better to just float.
- Lie back and keep your airways clear, push your stomach up and extend your limbs moving hands and feet to help you float.
- Try to take and control the effects of cold water shock such as the gasping reflex. Once your breathing is controlled call for help and if possible try making your way towards safety
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