OVER THE last five years, 103 people have died in water-related circumstances. Now the London Fire Brigade is urging everyone to become water-aware as we enter the peak period for water-related incidents.
London firefighters have attended 1,500 water-related incidents over the last five years. Forty per cent of these incidents occur between May and August, so it’s high time to think about water safety.
As the weather warms, people are encouraged to have a quick dip in the docks, the river or a canal, not realising how dangerous these waters can be. And sometimes, people who have had a few “lemonades” can lose their inhibitions and enter the water too. They all forget that no matter how warm the weather, water in the docks, canals and rivers can be very cold. There can be strong currents which are hard to fight against, and debris in the water can make it hard to stay afloat. The docks are a particular danger, as the walkways along the side of the docks are often built out over the water. Currents can sweep a weak or non-swimmer under the overhands, the cold can make them confused, and there is no light for them to find their way out.
Tower Hamlets is among the four riverside boroughs with the highest numbers of deaths. Safety beside the waterways is controlled by the Canal and River Trust, a charity which claims it is underfunded for this work. On a number of occasions, lifebelts around the inner docks have been found missing, for example.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha confirmed the dangers. She said, “Sadly, over 100 people have died in non-suicide related drownings in London over the last five years, so this Be Water Aware Week we want to remind Londoners about the real and immediate dangers of open water. We know that the warmer weather can tempt people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.
“Many Londoners are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth – all of which could prove fatal. If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present. If you see someone else in difficulty, don’t enter the water yourself. Call 999 and try to throw them something that floats.”
●For more water safety tips, go to: Fire Brigade Water Safety
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