15/07/2005 - As schools
break up for the summer and with the warm
weather attracting many to rivers, lakes and
ponds, the Environment Agency wants everyone
to enjoy themselves safely.
With its extensive knowledge and experience
of the River Thames and other water stretches,
the Environment Agency is reiterating its
warning to children and adults alike of the
many hidden dangers that may lurk in these
waters.
The Environment Agency is particularly worried
about children and young adults in particular
who have already been seen jumping from a
number of bridges that span the River Thames,
and is highlighting the clear danger this
activity poses to themselves and other river
users.
This danger has been heightened as the holiday
period follows eight months of below average
rainfall which has had the obvious effect
of lowering river levels throughout the Thames
valley, with many rivers being far shallower
than normal.
Don Vickers, The Environment Agency’s recreation
manager, said: “Bridge jumping causes us particular
concern as it is extremely dangerous and can
result in serious injury. The water’s depth
and speed of current are difficult to gauge,
and being struck by a boat is a real danger
as our waterways are teaming with river traffic
during the summer months.
“We really want people to enjoy our rivers
because they offer some of the most attractive
scenery in this part of the world, but no
matter how tempting the water may seem on
a hot summer’s day, we strongly urge people
to resist.
“We don’t want to prevent people from enjoying
themselves, but we want to encourage people
to be safe. The best way to enjoy being on
the river is to join a canoe, sailing or boat
club. There are hundreds based along the River
Thames, all providing a safe way to have fun
on the water.”
While a dip in the seemingly cool and enticing
water may be tempting on a hot afternoon,
people often fail to consider that:
The water is often surprisingly cold only
a few inches beneath the surface
The speed of flow is sometimes well beyond
the abilities of even the strongest of swimmers,
particularly after rain
Boats and other moving craft will find it
very hard to spot swimmers
Unseen underwater obstructions exist in many
places. These can include submerged landing
platforms and discarded articles like shopping
trolleys, cycles and other potentially dangerous
obstacles discarded by thoughtless members
of the public
The depth of the water is often uncertain,
which can be dangerous for anyone diving in
Don Vickers added: “The advice is keep a close
eye on young children on and around the river
and, no matter how tempting, don’t swim or
dive into it.”
To help save lives and prevent injuries,
the Environment Agency and RoSPA have, for
the second year running, produced a water
safety awareness pack for 12 to 16 year olds
called 'r u a dummy 2', which shows a dummy
drowning. The pack comprises a CD-ROM and
notes and is aimed at teachers, youth workers
and youth leaders in organisations like the
Sea Scouts and canoe clubs.
The aim of the pack is to increase the understanding
of the dangers water poses and learn how to
apply this in other situations. In doing so
it is hoped that it will help to reduce the
number of drownings and severe accidents which
continue to blight the lives of so many young
people and their relatives.
To keep accidents to a minimum this summer,
the Environment Agency recommends that parents:
Keep a track of where their children are
playing if staying near or visiting rivers
Ensure that swimming always takes place under
adult supervision, and ideally at a life-guarded
beach or a swimming pool.
Latest provisional estimates from RoSPA show
that during the summer period (June –August)
last year 153 people drowned.
A water safety pack for 12-16 year olds called
‘r u a dummy’ which includes a CD-Rom and
adult leaders’ which is aimed at teachers,
youth workers in organisations like canoe
clubs is available from Rospa on 0121 248
2020 or email: kcharles@rospa.com
There is no body or organisation with overall
responsibility for safety on rivers or watercourses.
However, the Environment Agency occasionally
issues safety advice as part of its role to
encourage the safe and enjoyable use of our
rivers, particularly the Thames.
For a list of boat clubs and information on
what to see and do on the River Thames see
www.visitthames.co.uk.
Swimming and paddling
The Environment Agency supports the view
of safety organisations which recommend against
swimming or diving in open watercourses. If
you decide not to accept their advice bear
the following in mind:
NEVER jump or dive into the river from any
bridge, bank, craft or otherwise. It is not
only dangerous to those who do it but also
to any vessel passing by.
NEVER swim near moving craft. Boats cannot
stop dead and need room to manoeuvre. Propellers
are very dangerous.
NEVER swim around moored craft, fallen logs
or blind corners.
NEVER swim when there is a strong current.
NEVER swim in locks, lock cuts, narrow channels
or cuttings.
NEVER attempt to swim across the river – it
is wider than you think!
Keep away from weirs and weir pools.
If children are swimming or paddling, always
watch them carefully as river depth varies
suddenly and wash from boats can cause them
to fall over. There may be broken glass or
other sharp material on the river bed and
so it is advisable to wear bathing shoes.
The river temperature is likely to be much
colder than expected. This may limit the swimmer’s
ability to swim any distance.
Non-swimmers on airbeds or inflated rubber
tubes can easily float or be blown into deep
water when sudden loss of buoyancy
