Darwen pupils learn the perils of water

5:30pm Monday 7th July 2008

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DARWEN school pupils were warned about the dangers of swimming in open waters at the launch of a new campaign.

Operation Twitch was launched by Lancashire police, in conjunction with Lancashire Fire and Rescue, United Utilities and Blackburn with Darwen Council at Edgworth and Turton Primary School.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue water rescue team, based in Darwen, demonstrated how they would save children with specialist equipment.

An inflatable boat and a rescue sled are just two pieces of equipment fire-fighters would use to save someone’s life if they became distressed in water.

Watch manager Tony Spencer told children from Turncroft, Ashleigh, St Peter’s and Turton and Edgworth primary schools that they should always swim in supervised swim-ming pools in the summer rather than venture into ponds, reservoir or lakes.

Neighbourhood policing sergeant Jon Cisco said: “It is vital that we do everything possible to raise awareness of the dangers associated with swimming in open water, particularly now the weather is improving.

I hope this campaign serves as a reminder to everyone. Local reservoirs can appear very inviting, particularly when the weather is hot.

“But the reality is very different and entering into this water could have tragic consequences.

“I also appeal to parents to keep an eye on their children at all times, especially when visiting places where there are ponds or pools.

“We want people to enjoy themselves this summer but the message is simple: Stay safe.

“Every year, children across the country die as a result of swimming in unauthorised areas. The safety of our local communities is vital which is why we have launched this operation as part of our Summer Nights campaign.”

Nigel Fletcher, health and safety manager at United Utilities said: “Every year we see cases where people ignore the warnings and take a dip in our reservoirs.

“It’s incredibly dangerous – reservoirs are very deep and the water is constantly flowing in and out so they do not warm up like other bodies of water.”

Chief fire officer Peter Holland added: “Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service advises that it is best to swim at properly supervised sites, such as beaches, or swimming pools.”