With the summer holidays in full swing, beaches, reservoirs and rivers are bustling with activity however, they also carry a heightened risk of drowning incidents.
Tragically lives are lost every year due to drowning prompting an urgent warning from the Darlington Open Water Safety group.
It comes just weeks after the tragic death of "kind and caring" Jacob Rutkowski who drowned in the River Tees at Gainford, near Darlington in July.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has teamed up with Darlington Borough Council and other members of the group to remind people of the dangers in and around water.
Firefighters carried out a rescue demonstration at South Park in Darlington on Wednesday urging residents to stay safe.
Using throw lines at Stephenson Pond, firefighters demonstrated how to safely throw the rope device to rescue swimmers in distress in a bid to not only save lives but educate the public.
Darlington fire station manager, Billy McAloon, said: “Tragically lives are lost every year due to drowning, and the summer months is a time when many people head outdoors and the risk of accidental drowning increases significantly.
“With the summer holidays now upon us, it’s more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers, such as cold water shock. When it’s warm and sunny, it can be so tempting to cool off in the water, but the reality is that the water in our sea, lakes, rivers and reservoirs is still extremely cold - even on the hottest of days.
"Ultimately, the message is that we are urging people not to get into the water. As much as the sun is out, we want people to steer clear."
This latest warning comes just weeks after the death of 20-year-old Jacob. An inquest looking into the circumstances of his death was opened at Crook Coroner's Court last month.
The inquest heard he and three friends went for a swim in the River Tees on June 20. But Jacob came into difficulty - possibly struggling with the strong currents in the river - before going underwater and failing to resurface.
Sadly, despite his friends' best efforts, as well as those of the emergency services, Jacob died, with Dr Peter Nigel Cooper ruling the cause as drowning following a post-mortem examination.
Paying tribute, his grieving family previously described him as a "beautiful soul".
Emergency services were called to Ramsey Gardens in Ingleby Barwick on Thursday, June 26 after 13-year-old Mylo vanished.
A desperate search was launched for the teen, who was last seen near The Muddies area of the estate, playing with a friend near the River Tees.
Police believed Mylo entered the river, with divers being deployed in the search on Friday, June 27.
It was later confirmed just that a boy's body was found by authorities searching the river.
Cllr Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for stronger communities, has pleaded with parents to warn their children of the dangers of water.
He said: "This is a plea to parents, guardians, older brothers and sisters who can say to their kids and siblings to be careful.
"We can only keep trying to do our best and hammer this message home - if we save one life as a result it's all worthwhile."
The fire service issued the following advice to swimmers:
-
Stop and think - Take time to assess your surroundings. Look for the dangers and always research local signs and advice.
-
Stay together - When around water always go with friends or family. Swim at a lifeguarded venue.
-
Call 999 - In an emergency call 999. Never enter the water to rescue.
-
Float - If you fall in or become tired – stay calm, float on your back and shout for help. Throw something that floats, such as a football, to someone who has fallen in.
Share