With summer rapidly approaching, the Environmental Agency reminds people not to take excessive risks while attempting to cool off, and to always ensure that family and friends are safe.
The warning came after many serious occurrences on the Thames in the previous year. Hazards can be found in and around buildings like as bridges, locks, and flood channels, as well as severe flows following rain and thunderstorms. Bathers can be caught off guard by unexpectedly chilly waters or powerful currents.
Rivers are fantastic locations to have fun, get near to nature, and spend time with friends and family, but knowing how to keep safe can save lives and prevent water-related mishaps.
The Environment Agency’s Waterways team chief, Russell Robson, said:
The summer is always a busy time on our rivers, and we expect the River Thames to be a focal point for a lot of people’s leisure time. When the days are long and warm, there is nothing more idyllic than lazing by a meandering river and dipping your toes in the cooling water though we want people to not just enjoy it, but to remember some basic safety points as well.
The key safety points are:
If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service.
Russell continues:
Over the last few years, we have worked hard to get the safety message out to children and parents, stressing that people stay away from the edge, that children must be accompanied by an adult, that water can be colder than it looks and that swimming should be confined to recognised swimming areas, pools and lidos.
We often see youngsters jumping off bridges along many of the rivers in the South East and, while this can be great fun, there are hidden dangers in the water that could cause them to get into difficulties. We are urging parents to supervise their children closely in and around water and make sure they do not go into the water alone.
Come and enjoy the river and all that is going on around it, but please remember to bring your common sense with you as well.