Ahead of what's likely to be a hot bank holiday weekend, the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is urging the public to take care around potentially deadly open water.
Two young people drowned after entering the water at High Eske Nature Reserve in North Yorkshire on Wednesday. Though TWFRS said it had not been called to any similar incidents in recent weeks, firefighters were keen to avoid heartbreak over the long weekend and half-term holiday.
Last year,
died after swimming in a dangerous section of the river Tyne near Prudhoe. With forecasters expecting a sweltering weekend, the message is for people to be very careful around water and aware of the risk of issues like cold-water shock which can prove fatal.
Station Manager Jonny Ramanayake of the fire brigade's prevention and education team, said they don’t want any family to face the heartbreak of losing a loved one. He said: "The tragic deaths of the two young people in North Yorkshire this week is just one of a number of incidents where people have lost their lives in recent weeks.
"All of our thoughts are with the friends and families of those who have lost their lives and our priority is doing all we can to prevent anything like that happening here in Tyne and Wear. It may be hot, but the water can be icy cold, and we cannot stress enough the risks of cold-water shock, and the effect this has on even the most competent of swimmers."
SM Ramanayake urged would-be swimmers to only swim in controlled environments where lifeguards were on-duty. He said: "Please only consider entering water in controlled environments where there are lifeguards on duty, and do not go for a swim in rivers, lakes, or unsupervised bodies of water where there could be a number of hidden dangers.
"If you do see anyone in difficulty in the water then don’t enter the water. Instead call 999 and ask for the fire service if you are inland or the Coastguard if you are by the sea."
The fire officer said he wanted to remind anyone who gets into difficulty themselves to remember "float to live". He said: "If you get in difficulty yourself then a simple skill we ask everyone to remember is ‘Float to Live’. Simply lean back like a starfish and use your arms and legs to stay afloat.
"This will allow you to control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. The technique has been proven to save lives."
TWFRS are also urging anyone who may be drinking alcohol to avoid entering the water and to avoid walking near to water after a night out.
Information about safety advice, including staying safe in the water, can be found on their website or the Respect The Water campaign website.
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