New life-saving flotation device installed at Carlisle park, following a fatal incident last year
A 16 year-old drowned in the River Eden in July 2021.
Last updated 24th Aug 2022
A new device has been implemented in Rickerby Park that could allow any member of the public to save a drowning person from the River Eden.
Carlisle City Council has funded the new water safety and throwline boards with the technical support of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
The water safety and throwline boards provide advice on how to help in an emergency and pinpoints an accurate location for the Fire and Rescue Service to get to.
Area Manager Craig Drinkald, from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said:
“We are really pleased to see Carlisle City Council funding the installation of the water safety and throwline boards and by doing so, recognising just how important they can be in preventing loss of life, both in terms of the important safety messages they convey, and their life saving function in the event of an emergency.
“We hope to work in collaboration with other open water site owners to take a similarly pro-active approach at their high-risk sites. Although water safety boards are an important safety measure, they are only a small part of keeping people safe around water.
“Raising awareness of the hazards that water can present is even more important. We hope that through further education, and boards like these, have a real impact on people’s awareness of the risks around water, as sadly every year we see loss of life which could be prevented through increased understanding and awareness.
“Our firefighters are trained in water rescue but sometimes it just isn’t possible to get to people in time to save them.
“The throwlines can buy valuable time and help people keep their head above the water until firefighters arrive to help, however, we urge people to be sensible and safe whilst in and around water – it can be very deep and cold enough to cause shock. Our waters are so unpredictable that even the strongest swimmers can find themselves in difficulties.”
It comes after 16 year old Mohammad Abdul Hamid died in the River Eden last year.
Hoping to avoid further tragedies in the popular swimming spot, the fire service and council also issued this advice.
"Water activities - If you are paddleboarding, you should wear a suitable personal flotation device. This can be a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket. Choose one that still allows you plenty of movement so you can paddle freely.
"Hidden dangers - Before you jump in a river, lake or any waters stop and think. Hazards lie beneath the water which you may not see before you jump in at force. There is usually rubbish and other debris in our waters which could cause you injuries if you were to jump on top of it.
"Cold water shock - Deep water may feel warm on the surface, but just below it can be icy cold. This can cause panic and cold water shock. When the water is so cold it can take your breath away and make swimming much harder. If you find yourself in difficulty in cold water, follow these steps:
Try not to panic
Float on your back
Don't struggle. Your clothes will have air in them that will help you float easier
After 60 to 90 seconds, the cold water shock will pass and you will be able to breath more easily, so you can swim to safety."