The Humber Lifeboat based at the Port of Grimsby
As the school holidays approach and the summer climate hots up, Associated British Ports (ABP) are urging people not to swim in their docks and to be careful in the rivers.
With the hot weather recently experienced and with the summer break coming up, ABP knows water can be an attractive place to go. In the Humber, particularly around Goole Docks, and Albert Dock, Hull.
This is the start of a campaign, which will run over the summer months, aimed at schools and others to think about safety when near the water.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “On a hot day, it might seem like a good idea to cool down in open water, but swimming is prohibited in our docks.
“Docks are not a safe place to swim. Apart from being industrial centres, they pose a danger due to the steep walls which makes it difficult to escape.
“People also do not know what may be lurking beneath the water that could be a potential hazard. If you want to swim, go to a pool, or find an open water swimming club. If however, you do find yourself in distress, then follow the advice of the RNLI.”
The potential dangers of swimming in docks are:
- Deep water
- Unexpected cold-water shock
- Hazards lurking beneath the surface
- Active operational areas
- Waterborne diseases
- Tides
If you do find yourself in difficulty there are some things you can do to help yourself.
Ben Carpenter, Water Safety Officer at Cleethorpes RNLI said: “If you find yourself in the water unexpectedly, float to live - on your back with your arms and legs spread. You will float with your ears submerged. If you see someone in trouble in the water dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."
For more information on Float to Live visit the website https://rnli.org/safety/float.
