SAFETY campaigners have given revellers a simple message this festive season – Don’t Drink and Drown.

With statistics showing that in the last three years, more than a third of adult accidental drowning victims in County Durham had alcohol in their bloodstream, a campaign is warning festive party-goers to steer clear of walking near to or entering water while under the influence of alcohol.

Don’t Drink and Drown, driven nationally by The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is being rolled out in County Durham by the charity working with the Safe Durham Partnership (SDP).

Don’t Drink and Drown is urging people to act responsibly near water, especially if they have been drinking – and to remind everyone of the importance of not walking home alone after a night out.

The campaign, centred on Durham City and Chester-le-Street, was unveiled in the Durham Market Place today, where t-shirts, wristbands, water bottles and other materials will be handed out.

Licensed premises in the city will also support the campaign through posters, hand stamps and beer mats, while New College Durham and Durham Sixth Form Centre will host campaign stands for their students.

The message will also be spread on social media by the campaign partners under the hashtag #dontdrinkanddrown

Dave Orford, chair of the Safe Durham Partnership and assistant chief constable of Durham Constabulary, said: “We are not wanting to spoil the party for anyone this Christmas but we would say to everyone: enjoy yourself but do so in a sensible fashion.

“Our officers see first-hand the devastation families suffer when losing a loved one through accidental drowning – please don’t make your loved ones have to live without you.”

Cllr Joy Allen, Durham County Council’s portfolio holder for safer communities, said: “Rivers are extremely unforgiving places especially once you’ve had a few drinks.

“Our advice is simple. Please don’t be tempted to go into the water. Avoid walking home near rivers if at all possible and encourage your mates to do the same thing.”

Andy Hughes, chair of Durham City Pubwatch, said: “Durham City licensees are all more than happy to get involved in this campaign, as we are constantly striving to make our city centre as enjoyable and safe an experience as possible.

“We don’t want to have anyone end their night out with us in a bad way.

“So any part we can play to heighten people’s awareness of the dangers they may encounter on their way home is fine with us.”

New College Durham principal John Widdowson said: “Keeping ourselves safe and helping to keep others safe is always important, but especially so at Christmas when everyone wants to relax and enjoy themselves.

“It’s worth taking that extra bit of care.”

The Safe Durham Partnership (SDP) includes Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, the Durham Tees Valley Community Rehabilitation Company and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust .

It is also being supported by Durham University, New College Durham, Durham Sixth Form Centre, Durham City Pubwatch and licensed premises