The dangers of drinking alcohol near the water are being highlighted in a campaign by Avon Fire & Rescue Service to keep revellers in Bath safe this summer.
“Make sure river water isn’t your last drink” is the message to those out enjoying the sunshine in the run up to the August Bank Holiday weekend.
This warning comes in response to the number of rescues from water that they make in the city every year — many of them alcohol related.
Firefighters trained in water rescue at Bath Fire Station go to at least one water rescue every month and crews were also involved in searches for the student James Bubear who was tragically found dead in the River Avon following a night out in Bath.
Denis McCann from Avon Fire & Rescue Service said: “We’re realistic and understand that in the warm weather people may want to be out by the water, drinking alcohol. All we ask is that they enjoy themselves safely.
“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.
“And we are urging visitors and residents of Bath to think carefully about how they are getting home at the end of the night. If your walk home takes you past water consider an alternative route, getting a taxi, drinking less alcohol or having a glass of water between each drink to help you keep your wits about you?”
The campaign is being supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath and North East Somerset NHS, Bath Pubwatch and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).To promote the water safety campaign Avon Fire & Rescue Service has teamed up with Abbey Taxis in Bath in a competition to win a journey home from the city.
For more information go to: Free ride home
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