Festive party-goers in Leeds targeted in Don’t Drink and Drown campaign
Drinkers in Leeds are being warned to act responsibly near water during their night out in a bid to save lives.
The campaign by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), urges people not to walk home near bodies of water after they have been drinking.
Last year 20 per cent of all adult accidental drowning victims in the UK had alcohol in their bloodstream*. Latest statistics reveal that 26 people drowned in Leeds in the last five years, and four were found to have had alcohol or drugs in their system.
Tom Wright from Canal and River Trust said: “Having a few festive drinks in one of the great waterside bars and pubs in Leeds is a great way to celebrate Christmas cheer. But when you’re on your way home in the dark, please take extra care. If you and your friends have had a few drinks, don’t walk home by water, find another route home. The Canal & River Trust is really pleased to support RLSS UK with its Don’t Drink and Drown campaign and its important message – look out for your friends and find another route home.”
District Commander at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Russ Hepton, said: “The Fire Service is called upon year-round to carry out water rescues and the centre of Leeds is an area where we often see people getting into trouble in the River Aire.
“We have recently been working with partners to install throwlines along the bankside for members of the public to use should they come across someone stricken in the water.”
Aaron Dhanda, RLSS UK Community Drowning Prevention Coordinator for the Leeds area, said: “People tragically die each year because they’ve entered the water with alcohol in their bloodstream, either deliberately or completely by accident. Drinking near or in water can be a dangerous and deadly cocktail. Alcohol can seriously impede your ability to survive in water.
“When walking home from a night out, avoid routes that are alongside water, particularly in the darkness, and always stay with and look out for your friends.”
“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.”
Top tips from the RLSS UK to Stay Safe this Christmas:
• Don’t walk home near water, you might fall in
• Look out for your friends, make sure they get home safely
• Don’t enter the water if you have been drinking
• Alcohol seriously affects your ability to get yourself out of trouble