Revellers urged to go safe near water this winter

Signs went up last week at the start of the cold snap and Swansea Council's water safety team is emphasising the ice warning as part of its annual winter water safety campaign.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said every year in the countdown to Christmas the council joins the Royal Life Saving Society UK's 'Don't Drink and Drown' campaign. 

But he added: "But this year we're also urging people to stay away from lakes, ponds and other places which might have frozen over due to the prolonged cold weather.

"Our hearts go out to the families of those involved in the devastating incident in Solihull in which those young boys lost their lives when they fell through the ice. We can't say strongly enough that while ice on ponds and lakes might look welcoming and attractive, it's thin and there's no guarantee it'll take your weight.

"If there is ice on your local pond, the best thing to do is just stay off it."

The ongoing RLSS 'Don't Drink and Drown' campaign is aimed at festive revellers and their friends thinking about walking home after a night out.

Around 20% of all adult accidental drowning victims in the UK have alcohol in their bloodstream and RLSS research showed that 18 to 21-year-olds were particularly vulnerable to the risk of accidental drowning after having too much to drink.
 
Cllr Stevens said: "We want residents and visitors to enjoy their Christmas nights out, but we want them to do so safely by steering clear of water on their walk home. People who have been out drinking shouldn't enter the water because alcohol seriously affects your ability to get out of trouble.

"We're also calling on people to keep an eye out for their friends to make sure they get home safely, too."
 
Have a look at www.rlss.org.uk for more information. You can also visit www.facebook.com/RLSSUK