New signs on Bristol harbour highlight dangers of swimming
There have been more than 70 incidents in the last two years, 26 of them serious
Last updated 7th Sep 2021
New signs have gone up around the Bristol Harbour urging people not to swim in the water.
It's all part of a new water safety campaign put together by Avon Fire & Rescue Service, the Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Bristol City Council and Avon and Somerset Police, as part of the Bristol Water Safety Partnership.
It comes after several high-profile incidents and deaths involving individuals getting into difficulty in the water.
The latest happened in June when a man died on the same day four people needed resucing.
Keith Rundle, Director of BIDs for Visit West explains: “Bristol’s harbour is fantastically popular and a magnet for Bristolians and tourists alike.
"It’s draw as a leisure destination means there is an increased risk of incidents in the water at night.
"We all want people to be safe and this campaign is all about educating people about the hidden risks posed by swimming in the harbour, and to remind people everyone of the need to take care in the dark and especially during or after a night out.”
Group Manager Harry Awramenko from Avon Fire and Rescue says cold water shock is a "critical factor" highlighted in the campaign, but other issues include darkness under the surface, debris and the water quality.
“The harbour also features a deep sluice, which removes it’s silt, creating a powerful undertow as the silt is sucked out of the harbour and into the river," he said.
"These undertows create deadly submerged currents.
"The variable depth of the harbour is also a major risk factor, as it can vary by up to 29 feet depending on time and tide.
“The most recent incidents were tragic, and we are hoping that increased awareness of the risks of the harbour will help to keep people safe as we head into the Autumn months.”
The number of incidents have rising of late in comparison to normal, which the fire service and others put down to the end of coronavirus restrictions combined with a lack of holidays abroad.
“Bristol Harbour is a working docks and swimming in the harbour is an irresponsible act," Jon James, Head of Service Natural & Marine Environment at Bristol City Counci said.
"This behaviour puts at risks the lives of others who are working or travelling on the water or anyone who is involved in rescuing someone."
At the same time however, James says the council is "exploring the potential" of creating a safe swimming area on the harbourside.
"It requires facilities and more intensive management of a section of water which is all being discussed as part of the upcoming Western Harbour development," he said.
"Until such facilities are in place, swimming in the harbour without the prior consent of the Harbour Master remains a dangerous activity that carries a significant risk of harm.
"My advice to people is; please do not swim in the harbour, not only for your own sake but for the sake of others too.”
We have been repeatedly raising the issue of water safety across the country this summer.
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