Water Safety - not just for summer

Hello All

Today we received reports of youths using the boating lake in Hall Leys Park, Matlock as an ice skating rink/scooter stunt area. All be it that this boating lake is not too deep, it is still deep enough to cause some level of injury to any persons attempting to recreate Torvill & Dean's, Bolero (as you can see form the pictures below, unless we have some very big ducks 🦆 ).

If you suspect that any of your young people may have been involved with this today - please discuss water safety with them (see below for some handy information shared from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service).

It's even good to take note of the below information for any type of open waters - you can find out more facts and information on this via https://www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/media/1449/waid-uk-2024-summary-may25-v5-amend-july25-for-website.pdf .

The dangers of open water - Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous. Learn to spot and keep away from dangers. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water.

The dangers of water include:

🧊 Very cold temperatures
🧊 Hidden Currents
🧊 Fast flowing water, beware of locks and weirs
🧊 Deep water, it can be difficult to estimate the depth
🧊 There may be hidden rubbish or debris under the surface that can trap, snag or cut
🧊 It can be difficult to get out, banks can be steep, slimy and crumble away
🧊 No lifeguards, most outdoors waterways do not have lifeguards
🧊 Water pollution may make you ill
🧊 FLOAT to live
🧊 Even in warm weather, open water in the UK remains cold enough to cause Cold Water Shock. This will affect even a strong swimmer's ability to control their breathing and swim effectively.

To help minimise the effects of cold water shock:

🧊 Fight your instinct to panic or swim hard.
🧊 Lean back in the water to keep your airway clear.
🧊 Open your body up, extending your arms and legs, pushing your stomach up.
🧊 Actions- gently move your hands and feet to help you float.
🧊 Time- in 60 – 90 seconds you’ll be able to control your breathing.

Safety advice - Where possible you should swim at a swimming pool or beach where a lifeguard is present. When this is not possible look out for special flags, on beaches, and notices, on inland waterways, which will tell you what to do. You can find a guide on these signs and flags below.

Go Together
🧊 Never go swimming, fishing or boating alone.
🧊 Children should always go with an adult, not by themselves. An adult can point out dangers or help if somebody gets into trouble.

Learn How To Help
🧊 If you see someone in difficulty, tell somebody. This might be a lifeguard if there is one nearby.
🧊 Call 999 immediately. If you are at the beach ask for the coastguard, otherwise ask for the Fire service.
🧊 Never jump into the water yourself – often the rescuer becomes the casualty.
🧊 If you are in a remote area, using an app such as What3words will give emergency services an exact location. 
🧊 Tell the casualty to remain calm and FLOAT on their back.
🧊 Without putting yourself in danger, lay down at the water's edge and reach with an object, such as a stick, coat or jumper. 
🧊 If there is a lockable throwline box, call 999 and the fire service will give the code to access the throwline.

#WaterSafety #Frozen #DerbyshireFire&Rescue

Thanks, PCSO Kirsty Hunt