Stay Safe This Summer
With Summer holidays just around the corner & warmer weather settling in, the South & Vale is full of rivers, streams & canals that may look inviting to many but could prove dangerous to even the strongest of swimmers. Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service warns of the dangers of open water & promote the following safety advice:
•Avoid walking on routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol
•Lakes, reservoirs, rivers often hide hidden dangers below the surface that could make people ill, cause injury or kill. This could be anything from a strong current that appears calm, large rocks to machinery; from shopping trolleys to branches, and even fish hooks or broken fishing line
•Never swim, even where allowed, after drinking alcohol
•Don’t dive or jump straight into open water – this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day with temperatures remaining cold in the water- even numbing limbs & claiming lives
If you fall in:
• Don’t panic – lean back in the water, extend your arms and legs out and float on your back avoiding water entering your airway until the effects of cold water shock pass
• Try & relax until initial panic & gasping subsides
If someone else falls in:
• Never enter the water to try to rescue someone – call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service if inland and the coastguard if you are on the coast.
• Know your location to help emergency services find you-consider using location apps
• Throw a life ring or throw a line to them if one is near
Anyone witnessing someone in trouble in the water should call 999 or 112 and shout for help.
