Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service warns of water dangers during summer holidays

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service warns of water dangers during summer holidays 

With the summer school holidays in full swing Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging people to take extra care on all bodies of water in the Merseyside area, including the River Mersey and surrounding Mersey coastline.

During the summer months there is often the temptation for people to enter bodies of water to take part in activities such as kite surfing, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and open water swimming.

These can all be a great ways to have fun, stay healthy and spend quality time with family and friends however entering water unsupervised, not using correct equipment and kit or entering water not designed for public use can have catastrophic consequences.

Station Manager Lauren McCormack, Water Safety lead at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We really want people to enjoy themselves and respect others on the water this summer.

“However, people should never underestimate the power of water as the river and the sea we live alongside have strong currents and it is easy to be swept away. Temperatures can be cold enough to numb limbs or induce cold water shock, even after spells of warm weather.

“Alcohol also poses a danger. Stay out of the water if you have been drinking alcohol and never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.”

MFRS asks everyone to respect lifesaving equipment, such as life rings, and to avoid interfering with them in case you or others get in to distress and need to use them.

Swimming anywhere other than at a purpose-built and supervised swimming pool or water sports centre is highly dangerous and not recommended, unless as part of an organised club.

There may be hazards under open water such as rocks, debris, broken bottles or even shopping trolleys, which can cause serious injury or may trap you.

Station Manager McCormack said: “Even competent swimmers may struggle in open water so stick to swimming pools or beaches with a lifeguard and never go swimming, fishing or sailing alone.

“Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK so, as much as we want everyone to enjoy themselves, we ask everyone to take extra care if you go out on the water this summer.”

Anyone requiring free fire safety advice or a home fire safety check can call 0800 731 5958.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service also provides free smoke alarms for Merseyside residents aged 65 or over.