Don't let happy days turn into heartbreaking tragedies. That's the message from a North East council this summer as it issues a timely water safety warning.
Families and young people heading beaches, rivers and lakes during the school holidays should be aware of the dangers of water, and how to respond if they get into difficulty. And that's why Northumberland County Council's "Love it Like it’s Yours" campaign aims to remind the public that water can pose life-threatening risks.
The responsible tourism campaign focuses on crucial issues such as the Holy Island causeway tide crossing times, water safety, motorhome parking and the potential for wildfires. It features information on the dangers of cold-water shock and advise for keeping safe in rivers and lakes.
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Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Looking after our Communities and Chair of the Fire Authority said: "Nobody can underestimate how vital it is to respect the dangers of entering the water. In the UK around 400 people die through accidental drowning every year and sadly two young lives have already been lost in the River Tyne in Northumberland this year."
In May, 13-year-old Aras Rudzianskas and 14-year-old David Radut, both from Newcastle, sadly died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne in Ovingham, Northumberland. The tragic incident came less than two years after 13-year-old Robert Hattersley died in the same stretch of river in July 2022.
Councillor Stewart added: "Swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders should take time to think about potential hazards whether they are in a lake, a river or an accessible reservoir where swimming is permitted. Most risks can be lessened with proper awareness and by taking sensible precautions - so that no more happy days out turn into heartbreaking tragedies."
Group Manager Joe Hunter, Head of Northumberland Fire and Rescue services Community Risk and Response department said: "One potential problem that's often underestimated is cold water shock - a serious condition that can affect even the strongest of swimmers.
"The body experiences an involuntary gasp reflex followed by hyperventilation, followed by panic and difficulty in controlling breathing, leading to inhaling water and potentially drowning. This can happen even on a hot summer day, as the temperature of rivers and lakes can remain quite low typically below 15°C (59°F).
"Cold water can quickly stop muscles working properly making it difficult to swim or even stay afloat - with children at highest risk as their smaller bodies lose heat faster than adults. It can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions."
To call the emergency services if someone gets into difficulty in inland water call 999 and ask for Fire and Rescue.
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