Warnings over the dangers of swimming in open water have been made following the death of a 12-year-old boy in the River Ribble at Ribchester.
Junior Slater’s body was recovered from the river on Tuesday evening at a spot known locally as ‘the tush’ where young people often like to play in the river.
Junior’s death is not being treated as suspicious and his family released a tribute to him during Wednesday. A fundraising page set up by his sister, Shannon, has seen hundreds of donations made towards his funeral costs.
Read more: ‘Warmth, kindness and bright spirit’: Primary school headteacher pays tribute to Junior Slater
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, who joined the six hour search for the Clayton-le-Woods youngster after he got into difficulty while swimming with friends, have paid tribute to him but also issued water safety advice after Junior became the ninth person to die in water-related incidents during the recent heatwave.
Group manager Sammy Preddy told Blog Preston: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the Junior Slater who sadly died in the River Ribble at Ribchester. This is a heart-breaking tragedy, and our sympathies are also with everyone who has been affected by what has happened.
“At times like this, it is important that we remind people just how dangerous open water can be. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast can look inviting, particularly during warm weather and school holidays, but cold water shock, strong currents, hidden hazards and sudden changes in depth can quickly put lives at risk.
“We are asking families and young people to take extra care around water, to avoid swimming in unsafe or unsupervised areas, and to talk to children about the risks.
“If you get into difficulty in the water, try to stay calm, float on your back, keep your airway clear and call for help. If you see someone else in trouble, call 999 immediately and ask for HM Coastguard at the coast or the fire service inland. Please do not enter the water to try to rescue them, as this can put you in serious danger too.
“We know this message is especially difficult following such a tragic incident, but anything we can do to prevent another family experiencing this kind of loss is vitally important.”
Water safety advice in full
Cold water can kill
When you suddenly enter cold water your body reacts instantly with an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, and a spike in heart rate. These reactions can overwhelm even strong swimmers. In the UK most waters are cold, generally around 15°C even on a hot day. Cold water shock typically lasts only a minute or two, but it’s during those moments that people are at the greatest risk.
Be Water Aware
Over 50 per cent of our water rescue incidents involve casualties that never intended to enter the water. Be aware of the risks around open water which might include slips, accidental falls, being aware of surroundings which can change due to weather. Staying away from edges, avoiding distractions and to keep yourself and other safe.
Float to Live
If people fall into water unexpectedly or find they are struggling, Float to live is lifesaving advice which can help people regain control until they can get help or help themselves. Float on your back and try remain calm and steady breathing.
Phone, Float, Throw – What to do if you discover someone struggling in water
Phone – Call 999.
Float – Tell them to float on their backs.
Throw – Throw an aid to help support them to float until emergency services arrive.
Alcohol and water don’t mix
Annually several drowning incidents involve alcohol and or drugs. Choosing to enter the water while under the influence or walking a route next to water after a night out can lead to drowning.
Enjoy the water safely
Swim somewhere safe, like the swimming baths.
Obey the warning signs around reservoirs, lakes, canals rivers and at the beach.
Value your own safety first – jumping into the water to rescue pets or belongings can be highly dangerous.
Know what to do in an emergency – ring 999 and explain your location clearly and describe any landmarks.
Enjoy organised water sports in a safe environment – with the correct equipment and a qualified instructor.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service discourages swimming in canals, rivers, lakes, quarries, the sea or any other open water unless part of an organised swimming group.
Warnings about open water swimming and playing in rivers and other water courses have also been made by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution who have a water safety advice section and Above Water a charity who work on water safety and drowning prevention also have extensive materials about the dangers of river swimming.
The RNLI’s Float To Live campaign launched earlier this week in response to the number of incidents they’ve been called to during the heatwave.
Emmie Seward Adams, of the RNLI water safety delivery support team, said: “Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim or thrash about.
“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged.
“Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to.
“It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently.
“By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing.
“Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.
The mother of Dylan Ramsay, who drowned in a quarry at Chorley in 2011, has also spoken about the need for education about the dangers of open water swimming and has since set up the Doing It For Dylan awareness group.
