The region's emergency services are reminding people of the dangers of swimming in open water following the tragic death of a teenager in the River Tyne near Ovingham.
Shortly before 4.15pm on Sunday, officers received a report of concern for the welfare of a male who had come into trouble in the river near Ovingham. Today the boy who died was named as 13-year-old Robert Hattersley, from Crawcrook.
Teams from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), along with colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Northumbria Police, HM Coastguard and Mountain Rescue were deployed to the area to assist with the search. And now the emergency services have outlined some measures to help improve safety in open water.
Read more: Tragedy as officers searching for missing Northumberland teenager sadly find body in river
NFRS Chief Fire Officer Paul Hedley said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Robert at this time. A visit to the river has ended in absolute tragedy and we will be working with our colleagues at Northumbria Police to fully understand the circumstances of what happened.
"Unfortunately this incident underlines the very real dangers presented by rivers and the sea. The water may look calm on the surface, but there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water.
"And even when the weather feels very hot, the water may feel warm on the surface, but just a few feet below the surface it can be icy cold – affecting the stamina and strength of even strong swimmers"
Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Everyone at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service wants to offer their condolences to the family of Robert who tragically lost his life in Ovingham after getting into difficulty in the water on Sunday.
"Our crews did attend the area on Sunday to support Northumbria Police and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service with their operation. Together we carried out extensive searches of the water in a bid to locate the victim.
"It is difficult in these circumstances to find the right way to offer water safety advice, particularly when enquiries into what has happened are still ongoing, but doing so could prevent another tragedy from taking place."
Sergeant Simon Falconer, of Northumbria Police's Marine Unit, said: "Robert's death was an absolutely tragic incident and our thoughts remain with his family. We'll continue to offer them any support they need.
"While we would urge everyone to avoid any speculation as to the circumstances surrounding this particular incident, it does act as a poignant and timely reminder as to the potential dangers presented by water.
"We would echo the advice given by our colleagues at Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service and Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service and ask anybody who sees anybody in difficulty to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, rather than enter the water themselves.
"If you see someone in danger, act fast, keep your eyes on the person and wait for emergency services to arrive. That will allow the Coastguard, our officers and colleagues at the fire service to get to a casualty as quickly as possible."
What to do if you get into danger in water:
Lean back and float
Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther, of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, added: "Even in the hot weather, cold water shock is a real risk. If you find yourself in trouble then the advice is to try and lean back and float. Use your arms and legs to help you get into this position, and try and stay calm.
"If you are with someone who gets into difficulty in the water then give them this advice and call emergency services for help. If you can, use an object to try and reach for them but don't put yourself in danger by entering the water."
This advice is echoed by RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) who advise people to fight their instinct to swim if they experience cold water shock. Instead the charity advises people to relax and float on their back until they can control their breathing and the shock passes, then call for help.
The advice also applies to when someone becomes tired whilst open water swimming. The charity advises people to roll on to their back to rest and hold on to something that floats, like a tow float. Then signal for help if needed.
Call for help
In case of an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
RNLI also advises people to always carry a means of calling for help when open water swimming or cold water dipping. This could be a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
People can still try calling 999 or 112, even if their own mobile phone network has no coverage. The phone will try to connect to any other network available.
There is also an app available for download in the UK, RYA SafeTrx App (UK), which can track a person's swim and alert emergency contacts if they fail to return home on time.
Tips to help you stay safe in water
RNLI have identified a number of tips to help keep you safe while open water swimming.
Choose your spot
When at the coast, it's best to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. However, if there is no lifeguard cover, make sure you know your location and any hazards to be aware of, as well as where you can enter and exit the water.
It is also important to know how to spot rip currents. RNLI explain that if you get caught in a rip current, don't try to swim against it. If you can stand, try to wade rather than swim. Next, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Raise your hand and shout for help.
Check the weather and tides
RNLI say always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off. If you're planning to be out for a long time, get regular updates. And be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is not safe.
Have the right equipment
Wear a wetsuit as it will help you stay warm and can increase your buoyancy, so you can stay in the water for longer. Also wear a brightly coloured swimming hat and take a tow float with you when swimming or dipping.
RNLI say these will help you to be seen in the water and a tow float can act as extra buoyancy if you need it.
As well as wearing the correct gear, the charity advise swimmers to always take a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle to attract attention.
Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a warm drink for after your swim. It is important to warm yourself up carefully.
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