Summer safety advice after man rescued from river

Want to buy this photo?

Record breaking temperatures hit Greater Manchester this weekend and families were out in their scores visiting local parks and having their first barbecues of the summer

Record breaking temperatures hit Greater Manchester this weekend and families were out in their scores visiting local parks and having their first barbecues of the summer.

As a result of the hot temperatures, which are set to soar this week, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is providing summer safety advice – warning people to take care in the water and when using barbecues in the garden.

On Sunday, March 25, a man was rescued from a river in Bury after he got into difficulties while swimming.

Red Watch crews from Bury Fire Station were called to Burrs Country Park, Brandlesholme Road, at 5.30pm following reports of a man in the river.

The 30-year-old had been swimming in the water but became cold and could not get out.

He was clinging onto the side of the river so firefighters threw a rope in and secured it to the riverbank, giving the man something to hold on to until the water rescue unit from Heywood Fire Station arrived.

Crews then used a board from the boat to bring the man to safety.

He was taken to Fairfield Hospital by ambulance suffering from shock and a suspected leg injury but was later discharged.

Councillor David Acton, Chair of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “As temperatures continue to rise in Greater Manchester, you may be tempted to cool off with a swim in a local river, lake or canal. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but it can be extremely dangers.

“For example, there is no supervision by lifeguards to help you if you get into trouble and the water is often a lot colder than you expect which can impact on your physical capabilities – as it appears to have done during the incident on Sunday afternoon.

“The water can also be deep and there is no way of knowing what lies beneath the surface.

“Never drink alcohol during or just before swimming or while carrying out activities such as boating or water skiing. And if you're going to go swimming, make sure that somebody is nearby so you can shout for help if you get into difficulties.

“If you see someone in difficulty in the water, tell somebody immediately, preferably a lifeguard if there is one nearby, or use your mobile or the nearest telephone to dial 999.

“Barbecues are also a pleasure many of us enjoy when the weather is hot, but they too pose many dangers.

“You can protect yourselves by concentrating on what you're doing; making sure your barbecue is in good working order; keeping a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies; and keeping children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.

“Never leave the barbecue unattended, never use petrol or paraffin to revive your barbecue, and never put ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin.”

For barbecue safety advice, go to www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/seasonal_safety/barbecue_safety.aspx  
For further water safety advice, visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/seasonal_safety/water_safety.aspx or go to www.rospa.com