Spending time by our canals and rivers can make us all happier and healthier. Staying safe by the water is key to enjoying your time there. So we’re supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK's campaign, which warns us all not to walk home next to water or to enter water when under the influence of alcohol.
Walking home in the dark along a towpath is not the best idea, particularly if you’re on your own. If you’ve been drinking your judgement, balance and reaction to any lumps or bumps in the towpath will be impaired and the chance of ending up in the water is increased. Nearly a quarter of all adult drowning victims have alcohol in their bloodstream.
*All statistics are provided by the Royal Life Saving Society UK
We hosted a Facebook Live at the Aire Bar, which sits alongside the Aire & Calder Navigation in Leeds. We talked about why the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign is so important with RLSS UK, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and Bath Spa University. Thanks to Made in Leeds TV for the loan of their presenter.
Charlie Pope was 19 when he drowned on a night out in Manchester.
Last date edited: 27 November 2020