Berkshire Olympic swimmer backs swimming safety campaign
Maidenhead's Tom Dean is calling on people to stay out of rivers and lakes
Berkshire Olympic swimmer Tom Dean is backing an emergency services safety campaign to prevent people from drowning.
Following tragic deaths in the water over the last few years in the Thames Valley, Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services, the Environment Agency, South Central Ambulance Service, and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have all been working together with the aim of warning and informing residents of how to stay safe by the water, particularly with young people who often head to the water side when schools are closed.
Tom is a double Olympic gold medallist, winning gold individually in 200 metre freestyle and as part of a team in 4 × 200 m freestyle relay at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He grew up in Maidenhead and is very passionate about the issue of water safety having lived near the Jubilee Flood Relief Channel, a popular open water spot in Berkshire.
He's recorded a safety video as part of the campaign:
The video will be played on school buses covering the area around the Jubilee Flood Relief Channel near Maidenhead and school inputs on water safety will be delivered by Fire and Rescue services in the final half term of the school year.
Over the summer, all agencies will be participating in joint patrols of the riverside and running a number of safety events on hot, sunny days when these areas are busiest.
Neighbourhood Inspector James Ellis, Thames Valley Police, said:
“When someone finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s terrifying for those involved and brings together all agencies as life savers. No life should be lost to the water and I really hope this work helps ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely.
“We know that younger people particularly are less likely to engage with messages from statutory agencies so we’re really grateful to Tom in joining us as trusted voice for this audience, to help impress the importance of these messages.”
Tim Readings, Group Manager, RBFRS, said:
“Drowning is preventable and one drowning is one too many. We are urging people to take care around Berkshire’s waterways this year. There are numerous natural and man-made hazards located in our waterways, such as varying water currents, weirs, reed beds and dangerous objects beneath the surface that have been carelessly discarded.
“Cold water is another hazard that can have serious consequences and can endanger even the strongest swimmers. Even on a warm day the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing cold water shock. If you find yourself in trouble, try not to panic and remember ‘Float To Live’.
“If you do see someone in difficulty remember ‘Call, Tell and Throw – Call 999, tell the person to float on their back and throw something to them to help them float.”
There are many hazards under the surface that may entrap you or cause serious injury. Using supervised venues or swimming pools is much safer.
Even on a warm day, the temperature of a body of open water can remain very cold. Falling or intentionally jumping into water can result in a cold shock response.”
James Amos, Head of Resilience and Specialist Operations at South Central Ambulance Service, said:
“We urge everyone to be cautious around water. The water may look enticing, but you may never be fully aware how deep the water is, how you may be affected by the temperature, how fast the currents are or what objects might be at the bottom. If you ever see anyone in difficultly in water, call 999 immediately and always keep the person in view.”