Coun Rob Waltham, of Brigg, Cabinet Member for Health and Strategic Projects, said: “We want to ensure that people are aware of the dangers of open water so that they have a safe and happy summer. The figures for the number of deaths due to drowning are shocking. Water can often be taken for granted as people don’t always realise how dangerous it can be. But this figures show the stark reality.
“We are encouraging people to follow the water safety tips to ensure they are safe this summer. Children playing in a swimming pool and the sea are often fond family memories; we want to make sure these stay happy memories. So please keep safe this summer.
“In North Lincolnshire there are many areas of open water, including the River Trent, River Ancholme and the River Humber, as well as a number of other lagoons. These are all wonderful places to visit, but we are urging people who plan to visit any of these areas to consider very carefully the dangers of swimming in open water.”
With many people jetting off on their holidays or having family days out during the summer holidays the council says it is raising awareness of the dangers of open water and urging people to keep safe.
Most people, especially young children enjoy spending their time on a hot day near water - whether that is the sea, lakes, pools or ponds.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents; in 2012 18 children under the age of 15 drowned in the UK. Among the 16 to 19 age group, 24 people drowned at sites including beaches, rivers, canals and lakes.
Younger children between two and six years are particularly vulnerable to drowning in smaller bodies of water such as ponds and paddling pools. Between five and 10 children a year drown in a garden pond.
The national figures may seem alarming, which is why the council is raising awareness of the dangers and providing tips on water safety to keep children and young people safe.
Locally in North Lincolnshire since 2008 three children under 15 have died due to drowning. Although the local figures may seem low, it is three too many children.
Children are fascinated by water – it’s fun, keeps them cool and is great exercise. Anyone can drown though and even the best supervisors and carers can get briefly distracted, and all it takes is three minutes face-down in water to drown.
If you have a pond and a toddler, the best thing to do is fill the pond in with sand to make a sand pit. Otherwise cover it with a substantial grille or put a fence around it.
If you are staying in a villa with a pool this summer check the following:
- Does the pool have a lifeguard or pool attendant? A pool attendant is only responsible for keeping the poolside clean, rather than ensuring safety in the water.
- Does the pool have a barrier? Having a fence is particularly important at villas if you have younger children.
- Open water is generally where older children and teenagers are most at risk, from features near to their homes, such as rivers, lakes, coastal water near to the shore.
- Have an early conversation with them about how to stay safe and the risks of colder, open water.
Even the strongest swimmer can be affected by cold water shock that affects the ability to control breathing. It can lead to gasping, panic and in the worst cases – drowning. Cold water shock can start at 15 degrees Celsius and the average temperature of the sea around Britain is 12 degrees Celsius.
“Outdoor swimming in cold water can quickly sap your body heat making your arms and legs get weaker which can make it difficult to get out of the water.” said Dr Faisel Baig, local GP and unplanned care lead for North Lincolnshire CCG.
He continued: “It’s not advisable to jump into water of unknown temperature. If it has been established that the water is safe to swim in, you are better wading in slowly. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, stay close to the shore and take warm clothes to put on afterwards as even in summer you will feel cold when you get out. Hypothermia isn’t just something that happens in the winter. Shivering and chattering teeth are one of the first signs this is happening so get out of the water as soon as you notice this and warm up.”
Further research shows that half of all water recreation deaths of teens and adults involve the use of alcohol. It is always best to avoid having alcoholic drinks while taking part in activities, such as swimming; this is a good place to start for ensuring a safe summer.
Ensuring your child can swim is another great way to make sure they will be safe in and around water. Visit the council’s website for information on swimming lessons for your children: www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisurecentres
NF ADDS: Dr Baig's advice about hypothermia, shivering and chattering teeth will strike a chord with Brigg Grammar School pupils who were made to use the unheated swimming pool - even in September when the swallows were lining up on the telegraph wires in readiness for flying off to Africa for the winter!
1 comment:
many a day in a hot summer would jump off castlethorpe bridge.
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