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School tour with water safety advice as warmer weather approaches
25/04/2023
This week is Be Water Aware week
As the warmer weather approaches, water safety advice is being issued by our local Fire and Rescue Service amid concerns about the number of people getting into difficulty in Oxfordshire’s waterways and lakes.
Drowning in the UK is amongst the leading causes of accidental death. Ten water related fatalities occurred in Oxfordshire between 2020 and 2022.
To raise awareness of the dangers Oxfordshire County Council’s fire and rescue officers will be touring local schools and colleges in the coming months delivering a new practical water safety training course. This will give advice on how to stay safe in and around lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
Some of these sessions will take place next to waterways, so the risks and dangers can be clearly pointed out in real world settings.
The awareness campaign coincides with this week’s National Fire Chief Council’s Be Water Aware initiative.
Deb Forder, Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Open water can look appealing, especially on warm days, but it is also very dangerous. That is why our tours of local schools and colleges and the practical advice we’re offering is so important, particularly as we approach summer when residents are more likely to be tempted to take a dip.
“Please consider things such as letting friends and family know your route near water and what time you should return. Carrying a whistle to draw attention if you do get into difficulties.”
There are many hazards under the surface that may entrap you or cause serious injury. Using supervised venues or swimming pools is much safer.
Even on a warm day, the temperature of a body of open water can remain very cold. Falling or intentionally jumping into water can result in a cold shock response.
Deb Forder explains: “You gasp for air. Meaning that you could breathe in water. You hyperventilate. This over-breathing can make you lightheaded and, as your brain is deprived of oxygen, you may become disoriented.
“Your body’s cold shock response, which speeds up the heart rate, may conflict with the diving response, which does the opposite, causing your heart to go into abnormal rhythms, which can cause sudden death.
“If you fall in, remember to relax, lean back and float (see image) until you can control your breathing.”
Anyone witnessing someone in trouble in the water should call 999 or 112 and shout for help. They shouldn’t enter the water themselves; instead throw something in that floats.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service warns that there are other dangers of open water. Be aware that:
- Reservoirs, lakes, rivers and other inland water may look safe and inviting, particularly on a warm day. But there are hidden dangers below the surface that could make people ill, cause injury, even kill.
- Even on a warm day, the temperature of the water in a reservoir, quarry or lake can remain very cold. The low water temperature can numb limbs and claim lives.
- From the surface, it is not always possible to see what is under the water. This could be anything from large rocks to machinery, from shopping trolleys to branches and even fish hooks or broken fishing line, all of which could cause injury.
- Moving water, such as rivers, might look calm but there could be strong currents below the surface. Even reservoirs have currents, caused by working machinery. Whether or not someone is a strong swimmer, currents can carry them into danger.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam