RESIDENTS are being urged to take extra care when exercising around water – one month after a tragic accident in Northwich.

It is part of a national awareness campaign this week called Be Water Aware, supported by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).

The campaign comes a month since a 21-year-old Northwich man died after trying to rescue his dog from the River Weaver, while a 20-year-old woman was also rescued in the incident.

Meanwhile, a passer-by rescued a man from the Weaver in Kingsmead in a separate incident this month.

Nick Evans, head of prevention at CFRS, said: “Drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, and more than half of accidental drownings in the UK occur when people did not intend to go in the water.

“It is essential that people are aware of the risks and dangers of being around water, particularly when out exercising during this lockdown period as there is much less chance of someone being on hand to help should you get into difficulty in water.

“Since the lockdown began last month a man died after going into the River Weaver in Northwich after a dog had fallen in. A woman also went into the water as part of that incident. We rescued her from the river’s embankment."

According to the latest figures from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), which is running the campaign, 263 people accidentally drowned in the UK in 2018 – of which 87 per cent were male – while 77 UK nationals drowned while abroad.

Around 50 per cent of those who drowned in the UK just happened to be near water and had no intention of entering it, according to the NFCC.

Nick added: “Where possible, we ask that you stay away from open water as you can easily slip, trip or fall while on narrow towpaths or riverside walkways.

Knutsford Guardian:

"Please do your daily exercise run, walk or cycle elsewhere, but if you do find yourself near local waterways while exercising then please take extra care and be mindful that there are less people around at the moment to raise the alarm if you find yourself in difficulty.

“If your dog ever gets into difficulty after jumping or falling into water please do not follow them in. Most dogs manage to scramble out, but some owners are not so lucky. Please don’t risk it.”

Nick urges residents to follow this advice:

  • Stay away from open water if you have consumed alcohol or taken drugs
  • If you exercise near water make sure you would know what to do if you fall in – do not panic, float on your back and make a star shape if you cannot stand up in the water, then either call for help or swim to safety
  • Wear sturdy footwear whenever you are near open water to lessen your chances of falling in
  • If you are going out to exercise near open water make sure that you tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
  • Make sure that you are familiar with local safety information regarding waterways, look out for any hazards and adhere by any signage
  • Stick to proper paths when walking by open water and bear in mind social distancing ahead of venturing out to exercise – often paths along canals and rivers are narrow
  • Supervise children at all times when they are near open water
  • Never enter open water to try to help a person or animal – always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available.

For more advice visit cheshirefire.gov.uk/public-safety/outdoor-safety/water-safety or nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/be-water-aware