The Manchester Water Safety Partnership held free lifesaving training for bars and businesses in Manchester on Monday 6 December to support the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign.
The training was delivered to over 60 waterside establishments from across the city by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and is supported by the Manchester Water Safety Partnership. It aims to raise awareness amongst bar and door security staff about how to recognise and support those most at risk, as well as how to help rescue people who have got into difficulty in the water. They learnt how to help ensure their customers choose safe routes home after a night out and rescue people with a throw line if they have ended up in the water.
The Manchester Water Safety Partnership is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign which urges people not to walk home near water after they have been drinking. The Partnership will also be out during the week talking to festive goers about the dangers of walking near water after drinking, and, handing out leaflets and wristbands. Banners will also be put up across the waterways to raise awareness.
As part of the work of the Partnership, barriers have been installed along stretches of the Rochdale canal and rescue equipment at Castlefield basin, Lock 89 (Tib Lock) and Lock 87 (Canal Street). Lighting has also been upgraded along the canals in the city centre with further safety improvements planned in the future.
Over the last five years there have been in excess of 1400 accidental deaths in the UK, and more than 30 per cent of the victims were found to have alcohol, drugs or both, in their bloodstream. Young men are one of the highest risk groups.
David Wilson, Station Manager at GMFRS and chair of the Manchester Water Safety Partnership, said: “Manchester is a fantastic and vibrant city, and we want everyone to enjoy their time in the city. During the past 4 years, we have rescued approximately 65 people from rivers and canals in and around the Manchester City Centre area. Tragically some of these were fatal incidents. On your way home after a festive night out, look out for your friends at the end of the night and find another route home away from water.”
“We want everyone to have a great time this Christmas and our Don’t Drink and Drown campaign gives essential advice to party-goers to make sure they know how to stay safe when they’re out celebrating.”