York river safety fears as lockdown is lifted
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is calling for people to look out for each other.
People in York are being urged to be careful around the city's rivers this spring as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
There are fears that the reopening of bars and restaurants - combined with warmer weather and a relaxation of social distancing rules - could see people jumping into the river or falling in by accident.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is calling for people to look out for each other.
Group manager Andy Blades said: “After time away from the city we know people will be keen to enjoy all that York has to offer.
“However, as a fire and rescue service we have concerns that people may be tempted to enjoy the hospitality of the city more than ever and that could have serious consequences in terms of water related incidents.
“We know that if you’ve been out for a few drinks it’s easy to not really think about the consequences of your actions, whether that’s jumping into the rivers because it looks fun or slipping and falling in because you’ve got too close to the edge.
“On warmer days the rivers can also look like tempting places to cool off but they are full of hidden dangers.”
“Our message for when the city starts to open back up is to be aware of your surroundings and if you’re heading out for drinks look out for your friends and try to avoid taking shortcuts home that take you near the rivers.”
Chairman of the National Water Safety Forum George Rawlinson warned earlier this year that organisations “must be ready for a time when restrictions will be lifted and we may, once again, see record-levels of visitors at the UK’s coastal and inland water destinations”.
Staff from pubs, clubs and restaurants near the rivers in York have been given water safety training by York Water Safety Forum to help save lives. The group also runs events for university students about staying safe near water.
But there are also concerns about people with mental health issues entering the water. In 2018, 85 per cent of incidents attended by York Rescue Boat involved people suffering from mental health problems.