A SAFETY chief says the ‘fatal five’ risk factors that cause river tragedies are finally hitting home, thanks to a week-long education campaign.

Firefighters have spent much of this week warning people against falling victim to the region’s fast-flowing waters, emphasising five issues: cold water, underwater dangers, currents, alcohol and open water swimming ability.

The first nationally co-ordinated Chief Fire Officers’ Association campaign has taken on added significance following the tragic deaths in recent years of Durham University students Sope Peters, Luke Pearce and Euan Coulthard, Sunderland teenager Jordan Roberts and eight-year-old Ian Bell in the Wear and Megan Roberts, Ben Clarkson and Tyler Pearson in York.

Today (Thursday, April 16), crews were out on the Wear in Durham City training in river rescue techniques so they are ready should their skills be needed again in future.

Meanwhile, a large video wall screened safety films and officers handed out leaflets around Framwelgate Bridge, where 19-year-old law student Mr Coulthard was last seen alive in January.

Andrew Allison, community safety manager for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I think the messages are getting through.

“Our target group is 16 to 30-year-olds and there’s still a bit of thinking they’re invincible.

“We’re trying to say: don’t take a risk. You may think you can handle your alcohol but the statistics show you’re going to get into trouble.”

The training exercises caught the attention of shoppers and passers-by and will continue in Durham tomorrow (Friday).

It was only Wednesday when the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) published its keenly anticipated review of riverside safety – concluding fencing off the Wear would be of expensive and ineffective, but saying safety chiefs should consider improving lighting as a priority.

Members of the City Safety Group will visit the riverbanks within a fortnight before agreeing their response.

A safe haven, or so-called drunk tank, has already been introduced, along with extra nightbus and taxi services and a student-led riverside angels support scheme.

Durham University students are currently on their Easter holidays but when they return they will be given beer mats listing the fatal five and some pubs will trial pre-entry breath testing.

Mr Allison said safety work with students continued throughout the year.