Operation Summer Nights
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For most of us there’s nothing we like better on a hot summers day than the cool sensation of water, whether it be a river, lake, swimming pool or the sea. We know playing in the water is lots of fun and good exercise too; however as part of Operation Summer Nights local police and partners are asking people to remember the dangers. Police Inspector Dave Barnes heads up the Operation Summer Nights campaign for Blackpool and the Fylde. He said
“We know historically that the seas around the Blackpool and Fylde coastlines are deceptive. Although they look very inviting, they can be extremely dangerous and there are hidden undercurrents. Here in Blackpool high tide poses dangers to anyone near the waters edge.
“We along with our colleagues from Beach Patrol and Her Majesty’s Coastguard, spend many hours ensuring that people that do get into difficulties don’t come to harm. However, sometimes a moments thoughtlessness can result in tragedy, especially when people have had one alcoholic drink too many.”
HM Coastguard Sector Manager, Chris Turner reminded people visiting beaches and estuaries of Lancashire to stay SAFE and not drink, swim and drown.
He added, “At this time of year and especially with the summer holidays now upon us, it is all too easy to act irresponsibly when it comes to consuming alcohol at the beach. Our message is simple - the mixing of alcohol and water is best left in a glass. Please do not swim when under the influence. Alcohol can reduce the body temperature and cause cramps. By all means have a great time but please think about the consequences of your actions.”
HM Coastguard have issued the following advice as they urge people to stay out of the water this summer;
“SAFE”
• Spot the dangers
• Always make sure someone knows where you are.
• Find and read safety signs.
• Emergency – on the coast or at sea call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Other safety advice to consider when visiting the beaches and coastline in Lancashire includes the following;
• Keep clear of any cliff edges as they can be slippery when they get wet – some cliffs around the area are very high and do sometimes give way under foot.
• If you are going to swim keep close to the beach in line with the shore. It is always preferable to swim in areas where there are lifeguards on duty.
• When in the sea, swim between the Yellow and Red flags, don’t be alone, have friends and family with you, if you are alone, swim near others in the water. If you insist on using inflatables, secure them to the shore - ideally with an adult holding on to the rope at all times.
• Drinking Alcohol and going in the sea is dangerous, it slows your reactions, increases chances of hyperthermia and your judgment of distance will be impaired • Check the weather and tides before you leave home – then you wont get swept away.
• Always wear sun cream, at least factor 15 or above, sunbathe for short periods of time, use after sun lotion and wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs to prevent further exposure.
• In an emergency call 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD.
For further information on all types of sea and beach safety including tide times, please visit http://www.mcga.gov.uk/seasmart
Terry Rogers heads up Blackpool Council’s Beach Patrol and says: “The majority of Blackpool's visitors and local residents enjoy everything that the coast has to offer, at the same time as maintaining a deep level of respect for the sea – which can be extremely enticing but extremely dangerous.
“Sadly, Blackpool – like many other coastal towns – has suffered its fair share of incidents of late, some of which have seen tragic results, which is traumatic for everyone involved.
“Our Beach Patrols are working hard this summer to urge people to stay safe and we encourage everyone to enjoy the seaside – but responsibly.
“Alcohol and the sea, for example, never mix; it gives a false sense of ability and people tend to think they are better swimmers that they are. Even in summer, sea temperatures are very cold and the casualty who has consumed alcohol is likely to get into trouble much quicker.”
General Tips from Beach Patrol
- Parents always accompany children on the beach and always at the waters edge
- Swim with others
- Keep within a depth you can easily stand up in, just in case of cramp and fatigue
- Never use inflatable’s e.g. Toy dinghies or lilo’s in open sea. Winds can either tip them over or they can be blown out to sea
- Always ask advice from the Beach Patrol
- Always read and obey warning signs
- Find out about any local conditions and Dangers
- Keep an eye behind you and don't get trapped on a sandbank
- Be aware of present sea wall and regeneration work on Blackpool's seafront and keep out of and away from work sites
Notes to News Editors:
- Operation Summer Nights is a multi-agency campaign that aims to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour, promote personal health and safety and build on the positive behaviour of most young people. It runs across the county throughout July and August.
- It particularly focuses on those negative actions that often result from people drinking too much alcohol such as violence, criminal damage, road deaths, fires and accidents.
The partnership brings together organisations from across the county who work together to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour, promote personal health and safety and build on the positive behaviour of most young people. It includes: Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, North West Ambulance Trust, Lancashire Trading Standards, Blackpool Trading Standards, The Crown Prosecution Service, The Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen Youth Offending Teams, Lancashire Youth and Community Service, the Lancashire Criminal Justice Board, Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Borough Council, each of the Borough Crime and Disorder Partnerships, Central Lancashire PCT, Blackpool PCT, Connexions Lancashire, Lancashire Police Authority, The Lancashire Young Person's Alcohol Project, and the Lancashire Drugs and Alcohol Action Team.
Further information: One meter down, British waters are barely one degree above freezing, whatever the air temperature. These conditions quickly chill the body, causing blood to be drawn from the extremities to sustain the vital organs. This soon results in paralysis of the limbs, followed by sinking. Cold water then enters the lungs and drowning becomes inevitable. Even the strongest of swimmers is vulnerable to this chain of events.
For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
(023) 8032 9401
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk
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