Don’t Drink and Drown in Central Bristol Waterways Firefighters Issue Advice to Stay Safe in Central Bristol

Firefighters have been tackling the issue of drinking and drowning in relation to alcohol consumption and the proximity of the docks waterside bars in Bristol.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) crews from Temple Fire Station, working with the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) aims to encourage people to take care and avoid going too close to the water on nights out.

More than 300 people drown each year as a result of failing to risk assess proximity to water, or tripping and falling into it. It is currently one of the UK’s main causes of accidental death, with many more left with life changing injuries from water related incidents.

AF&RS are keen to stop the number of waterway deaths which occur in the centre as a result of young men who have been drinking and socialising in the evenings. They currently average one call out a month to rescue people from waterways which through and from central Bristol.

Head of Community Safety at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Steve Quinton said: “Very sadly every year across the country we lose too many people as a result of accidents in water. This is a risk that all fire and rescue services are working together to reduce.

“In our area a number of those who have lost their lives are young men who have been out enjoying themselves before meeting tragic and untimely ends. There is already a huge amount of work taking place in both Bristol and Bath to both educate and protect people, but it’s vital we keep water safety uppermost in the minds of those on a night out.”

They have put together the following safety advice to make sure people stay safe:

Buddy up on a night out and make sure all your mates get home safely.

Even the strongest swimmers can drown.

Rivers, canals and open water can present a real danger if you’ve had a drink. The water can be extremely cold, and added to the effects of alcohol, can dramatically affect the reactions of even the strongest swimmer.

Plan a route at the start of the night. If your walk home takes you past water could you take an alternative route or get a taxi?

To help you stay more aware, drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

What to do if somebody is in trouble:

Think, do not put yourself in danger. Do not enter the water or jump in

Shout for help, ring 999 and request the Fire and Rescue Service

Reach, if it’s safe to do so, try and reach the person with a stick/pole scarf or any other object. Crouch or lie down to avoid being pulled into the water

Throw designated rescue equipment or rope if available to pull the person to the bank. Otherwise throw in something that will float this will help keep the person afloat until assistance arrives.

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