The Manchester Water Safety Partnership is urging people to keep safe, as many of Manchester’s bars, restaurants and pubs are set to re-open on Saturday, 4 July, in line with government guidance.
The Ashton, Rochdale and Bridgewater canals run right through the heart of the city centre with many bars located next to the water. The partnership has been working hard to improve water safety. Earlier this year barriers were installed at Lock 89 and rescue equipment at Lock 89 (Tib Lock) and Lock 87 (Canal Street) to stop people falling into the water.
Many businesses have also taken part in throw-line training and lighting has been upgraded along the canals in the city centre. Banners will be placed along the water and targeted social media shared to help people stay safe and remind them not to walk home near water after they have been drinking.
The partnership would like people to enjoy themselves, but remember:
- Look out for each other when you’ve had a few drinks and make sure you travel home with friends – plan your journey home before you go out
- Don’t walk home alongside the water after drinking. Find a better route home – make sure your friends get home safely
- Don’t ever be tempted to cool off by jumping in canals or rivers
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager David Wilson, who is the Chair of the Manchester Water Safety Partnership, said: “The Manchester Water Safety Partnership would like to remind people who decide to visit Manchester city centre as bars, pubs and restaurants re-open about staying safe around the canals.
“The city centre is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy a day or night out, but it also has many waterways which run through it. As we sadly know too well, water and alcohol do not mix with many young men drowning after falling into canals in the city centre.
“Please keep safe by looking out for your friends and by staying together. Plan your route home before you go out and don’t ever be tempted to walk by waterways after you’ve had a drink.”
Greater Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, said: “If you are planning on heading into Manchester for drinks, as pubs, restaurants and bars start to re-open in line with government guidance we want you stay safe. Both safe in relation to the ongoing pandemic – by following social distancing measures and other guidance in place – and also around the city-region’s many water ways.
“We know people just want to have a good time but please bear in mind dangers that are around us, which we might not think about after a few drinks. It’s best to just avoid walking by the canals at night, especially if you have been drinking alcohol, and please keep an eye on your friends.”
More advice:
Summer Water Safety
Stay safe on a night out
Bereaved families warn of water dangers
Throw-line locations
Social media assets to share