#GetWaterWise: plea to not drink and drown in North Yorkshire's open water
Campaigners say cities like York can be more risky, because of the river running through the centre
Young people in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to #GetWaterWise, before drinking near open water or going on a night out.
It's as stats show one in five deaths in open water across the UK involve alcohol or drugs.
Campaigners say this can be especially risky in cities that have open water running through them, like the River Ouse in York.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have also stepped up their efforts to educate young people about the dangers, with the message, "Don't drink and drown".
Nick Pope, whose 19-year-old son Charlie drowned on a night out in Manchester after falling into a canal, said: "Once you go in, it's not easy getting out, and if alcohol is involved, it's even more difficult. For any parents, talk to your kids about it. Talk to them about how to get home safely and don't assume they're going to do the obvious safe thing.
"Other cities have got issues with water, like the rivers in Bristol, York and Durham. Students and young people are going to go and they're going to have a good time."
In 2020, 69 water-related fatalities in the UK included 69 where alcohol was involved.
85% of those who die in those circumstances are men.
Tony Peel, station manager for prevention at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, gave this advice for nights out: "Avoid walking home anywhere near the water, after you've been drinking. Especially if the area's poorly lit, we've all been in York with some of the cobbles and badly-lit areas where you could quite easily fall in.
"Make sure you look after your friends who are worse for wear, who've had a little bit too much to drink, and make sure you help them to get home. It's a bit like a designated driver if possible, just to make sure people get home safely.
"Do not succumb to peer pressure to get in the water, but equally, do not put that pressure on your friends to get in the water. Then hopefully, you'll get home safe and well."
Top tips to stay safe in water this summer
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.