A DROWNING prevention charity is stepping up its efforts to keep people safe around water following the tragic deaths of three Durham University students in the River Wear.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK has appointed four new safety experts, including one, Kenny MacDermid, specifically tasked to the north; is making “Don’t drink and drown” the theme of its annual campaign week; and has gone as far as urging people to stay away from water unless supervised.

The moves come after Sope Peters, Luke Pearce and Euan Coulthard died and a fourth Durham student was rescued from the Wear within 15 months; friends Tonibeth Purvis, 15, and Chloe Fowler, 14, drowned in the river at Washington in July 2013; and eight-year-old Ian Bell died after falling into the water near Willington in April 2012.

Three young people, Megan Roberts, Ben Clarkson and Tyler Pearson, drowned in York within four months last year and Jackie Roberts, Megan’s mother, is now an ambassador for RLSS UK.

Di Steer, the charity’s CEO – who is originally from Crook, County Durham, said: “Drowning is a serious social issue as, tragically, the recent spate of students drowning highlights further.

“In their unique roles, our Community Drowning Prevention Co-Ordinators will strive to work with and serve communities at a local level to drive home our water safety messages and education.

“This proactive approach will complement our work with other national and local organisations in the effort to save as many lives as possible – one more accidental drowning is one too many.”

Ms Steer offered RLSS’ support to the City Safety Group, which is leading the response to the Durham deaths with measures such as breath tests, a drunk tank, “buddy” support scheme and new taxi and bus services home.

“These deaths are preventable through simple education – don’t walk by water alone and look after your pals; stick together,” she said.

An online petition calling for riverside security has attracted 15,635 signatures and an online fundraising campaign has topped £2,000.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) is due to start an independent review of riverside safety next month (March).