A warning has been issued after several water related tragedies in just one week.
Last week there were two major incidents which saw children from the age of 12 lose their lives after they entered the UK's waters. A 15-year-old Erin Madden died at Carr Mill Dam, in St Helens, on Thursday, June 1 after she had been swimming with her friends in the water.
It was reported she got into difficulty and her friends called for help at around 12.30pm. Tragically Erin's body was later recovered from the water.
Elsewhere in the UK A 12-year-old girl and a boy, 17, died after an incident involving a total of 10 swimmers on in Bournemouth last Wednesday.
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Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service area manager for prevention Mark Thomas is urging all members of the public to be aware of the dangers of swimming in or spending time near open water, particularly during the warm weather of the summer months. In 2022, 46% of accidental drownings in the UK happened during June, July and August.
Inland water, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, and quarries continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning with 60% of all accidental drowning deaths.
Following the tragic incidents Mr Thomas said: “Everyone at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is devastated by the tragic incident at Carr Mill Dam and our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the teenager at this terrible time. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all in our emergency services family who were involved – call handlers, fire crews and police and ambulance colleagues - who made every effort to change the outcome of this awful incident.”
“Sadly, there have been several recent water-related fatalities across the UK. We would urge people to make sure they are aware of the very real dangers involved and learn the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency. Understanding the dangers of open water, as well as knowing what to do if you or someone else is in danger in the water, is life-saving information.
"We’d also encourage parents and caregivers to take the time to speak to younger people about this vital water safety advice.”
Understanding the dangers of open water
- The water is cold – even on very warm days. Sudden immersion can lead to cold water shock, which can cause gasping and intake of water
- River banks and cliff edges may be unstable and give way, particularly after bad weather
- Depth can be difficult to estimate and debris under the water such as shopping trolleys, broken glass and cans can cause serious injury and trap you
- You can get in, but can you get out? People often get into difficulty with steep sides and slimy banks
- There may be hidden currents
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when carrying out activities in our near water
- Going to the beach? We advise you to go to a beach with a lifeguard. Be aware of which flag is flying as this will warn you of any dangers. Red and yellow flags means lifeguards are on patrol
If you see somebody in danger in the water
- Remember: Call, Tell, Throw
- CALL - dial 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service if inland or Coastguard if near the coast
- TELL - Tell them to float on their back
- THROW - Look for something that floats or that they could hold onto and throw it to them.
- Do not enter the water yourself – you could also get into difficulty
If you are in danger in the water
- Remember: Float to Live
- Fight your instinct to thrash around – lean back and extend your arms and legs
- Float until you can control your breathing
- Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives
- If you fall into the water unexpectedly, or get into difficulty, fight your instinct to thrash around. Instead, lean back, extend your arms and legs and float
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