Antony D. Coia
Your playing with fire in the water
As its gets warmer and warmer we find more people wanting to cool down. This goes without
saying but do you think swimming in the River Clyde or any other open waterways is sensible?
I certainly don’t and The Glasgow Humane Society finds it very dangerous.
Already this year numerous people have been prevented from entering our waterways, without
the hard work of the officers and volunteers of the Glasgow Humane Society these people
undoubtedly would no longer be with us. Through a great network of river watchers,
voluntary lifeguard patrols and the good nature of the citizens of Glasgow these people can
live another day.
We hear every summer as soon as the school holidays start news reports of children, adults
and animals drowning, it only takes a few simple steps to prevent an accident-
- Spot the dangers.
- Take safety advice.
- Don’t go alone.
- Learn how to help.
Remember it may be 30°C outside but Britain’s open water rarely rises above 5°C, most
Swimming pools are 30°C and countless times I have personally heard people say oh that’s
freezing so imagine what the river is like without adding in the pollution the fast flowing
current and the deep water.
So, its summer time and you see some one in the water.
What should you do?
- First remain calm.
- Contact the emergency services as this person may need medical attention or need rescued dial 999 & tell the police what you have seen.
- Keep a watch on the person in the water as they can move with the river flow.
- If possible tell other river users of the person in the water, they may even be able to rescue them.
- Use any available rescue equipment to help the Casualty, if you feel unsure about giving assistance, remember keep yourself safe,--we do not want two casualties.
- NEVER endanger yourself & NEVER enter the water. Already this year persons have died trying
to save others.
Antony D. Coia