Latest news with #BeWaterAwareWeek
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Owner of land next to River Erewash issues safety plea amid hot weather
A man who owns land next to a section of the River Erewash says he is worried that someone could die if children are not warned about the dangers of open Sullivan, from Stapleford in Nottinghamshire, says the recent warm weather has been causing children to enter a "dangerous" stretch of water, where a 13-year-old boy died in 42-year-old did not own the land at the time, but he has since been working to install emergency throw ropes at the this week set to be the UK's hottest of the year so far, Mr Sullivan has issued a warning to anyone who enters the river of the dangers. Mr Sullivan said recent attempts to talk the young people out of the river had resulted in "horrendous" abuse."You get called all sorts. I do say to them it's for their own safety," he said."I don't care if they're on the land sunbathing or not causing trouble." Mr Sullivan says he intervenes to warn people to leave the river because he is concerned with the "bigger picture"."I actually know one of the ladies who's lost a child in here, and I know what it's done to her and how it's destroyed her family," he said."I don't want that to happen to somebody else. Nobody wants to lose a loved one and if it can be prevented by not jumping in a river, then let's prevent it."Mr Sullivan said the water posed a particular threat because it was hard to determine the depth of the water, and there was a strong undercurrent."We were all kids once, we all saw water and probably jumped in, but they've really got to think about jumping in this river," he added. The warning coincides with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service supporting Be Water Aware Week, which started on Monday and runs until Neale, from the fire service, said open water swimming could be "perfectly safe" with organised groups or in approved she added young people with friends were more likely to engage in risky behaviour, and recommended parents speak to their children about the include cold water shock, hitting submerged objects, and unexpectedly fast guidance says that people should never enter the water to try and save someone Neale said: "It can be quite a natural instinct to try and help, but the best help you can give someone who is in danger in the water is not to put yourself in danger."She said people should instead call 999 and provide as much detail to the operator about the location of the incident as possible.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Firefighters issue warning to public about dangers of open water
Firefighters have issued a warning to the public about the dangers of open water. The warning has been issued by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and the organisations it works with, in anticipation of beach, river, and lake visits prompted by warmer weather. Crew manager Paul Bainbridge said: "Even when it's a warm, sunny day, the water can still be cold enough to induce Cold Water Shock, which can seriously affect your breathing and movement. "There may also be strong currents, which can pull even the most experienced swimmers under the water. "That's why we are urging the public not to be tempted to take a dip in open water spots such as rivers and lakes, no matter how tempting they may look." The fire service is asking people to remember the phrase 'float to live' if they find themselves in trouble in the water. Mr Bainbridge said: "If you fall in the water, float on your back. "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 shore." The advice comes ahead of Be Water Aware Week (April 28 to May 4), a National Fire Chiefs Council campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the dangers of accidental drowning as well as providing water safety advice ahead of the warmer months. CDDFRS has confirmed that crews attended 16 water rescue incidents in 2024 and 19 such incidents in 2023. CDDFRS said that if someone gets into difficulty in the water people should remember to follow the Call, Tell, Throw advice. Mr Bainbridge said: "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. READ MORE: Durham Cathedral floral arrangements for Royal Maundy Service Auckland Palace to welcome the Easter Bunny this weekend La Piazza to open restaurant 'very soon' on Yarm High Street "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." For more information about the Be Water Aware campaign, please visit For more water safety advice, please visit
