Latest news with #DrowningPreventionWeek
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tragedy as man, 20, found dead in village river on hottest weekend of the year
The last few days have seen Brits hit with sweltering heat blasts with some parts of the UK hitting 33C- but a dip in a river to cool off turned into tragedy for 20-year-old Jacob Rutkowski A family have paid tribute to their 20-year-old son who was found dead in their village river this week. It is understood that on Friday, June 20 Jacob Rutkowski was at the river Tees in County Durham when the tragedy took place. It is believed he entered the water in Gainford but began to struggle, sparking a huge emergency response. After a 999 call was made at around 2.30pm the air ambulance, mountain rescue crews, police helicopter, paramedics and fire crews all rushed to the rural village. Drones and rescue dogs were also used in the search in a desperate bid to save Jacob. Despite their best efforts Jacob was unable to be saved and several hours later police Durham Police confirmed that they had pulled a body from the river. Their statement on Friday night read: "We're sorry to report that a body has been found in the river at Gainford this evening. It is believed a 20-year-old man had entered the water this afternoon and got into difficulty. "Formal identification has yet to take place but the man's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. We would like to thank all our emergency services partners for their assistance." While police have yet to formally identify the body as the 20-year-old from from Darlington, County Durham, a GoFundMe page set up by Jacob's loved ones suggests it was Jacob. The page was set up to raise funds for his funeral and a heartbreaking message shared to the page read: "As many of you have already heard, our family experienced the unimaginable. This devastating loss has left our entire family heartbroken beyond words. He was a son, a brother, a loving boyfriend — and above all, a beautiful soul taken far too soon. "We are raising funds to help with funeral and memorial costs, and to support the family during this painful time. Anything you can give will help ease the burden and allow us to focus on grieving and honouring his memory. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." The last few days have seen Brits hit with sweltering heat blasts reaching well above the average for the time of year, with the southeast blasted with 33.2C on Saturday. And when temperatures reach highs of 30C it's easy to see why people take a dip in their local river or lake. This week marks Drowning Prevention Week, and in a bid to raise awareness of water safety risks the London Fire Brigade (LFB) is increasing engagement with communities. LFB has attended more than 280 water-related incidents this year so far, an increase of about 15% compared with the same period in 2024, it said. They have included incidents such as sinking and capsized boats, individuals trapped in mud or caught by the tide, and people and animals in distress in the water. Fifteen incidents resulted in people drowning in London, the fire brigade said. For advice on what to do if you get into difficulty in the water visit the RNLI website by clicking here.
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Superheroes from West Lothian stay safe around water thanks to innovative education approach
The campaign is rooted in the Learn to Swim national framework. Swimming lessons are being transformed into water safety workshops for superheroes in a bold and innovative approach by West Lothian Leisure. Vital water safety education is being imbedded across all its sporting disciplines – inspired and led by the Learn to Swim programme. The campaign is rooted in the Learn to Swim national framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water. West Lothian Leisure is now taking the core principles of Learn to Swim even further during Drowning Prevention Week. Instead of regular practice, swimming lessons across the trust are being transformed into water safety workshops and uniquely, coaches from gymnastics, football, badminton and golf are also delivering water safety messages through fun, creative activities. At the heart of the initiative is the 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, where children dress as their favourite superheroes while learning the Water Safety Code. The campaign spans all ages, from baby and adult swimming classes to sports sessions for young people, ensuring more families across West Lothian receive life-saving knowledge. To ensure maximum impact, West Lothian Leisure coaches underwent targeted training and held a dedicated focus cay. Throughout Drowning Prevention Week, water safety was reinforced through interactive learning, games, and competitions at venues across the region. The National Water Safety Forum reported that tragically in 2024 there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland, highlighting the critical importance of water safety education heading into summer. Lorraine Pollock, sports development manager at West Lothian Leisure, said: 'This initiative is powered by our participation in the Learn to Swim programme. Drowning Prevention Week is the perfect moment to showcase how water safety can reach far beyond swimming lessons. 'We've made it our mission to get every child – whether they're in the pool, on the football pitch or in the gym – engaging with water safety in a way that's fun, memorable, and potentially life-saving. "Through our 'Superheroes – Call 999!' theme, we're making safety relatable for families across West Lothian.' West Lothian Leisure is one of 38 delivery partners of the Learn to Swim programme, a Scotland-wide initiative that equips children with skills for life – both in and around the water. John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: 'This is a fantastic example of the Learn to Swim ethos in action. West Lothian Leisure's all-sport approach demonstrates innovative thinking and shows how the programme can be adapted to reach even more families and communities with crucial water safety messages.' Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant over summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'So, it's great that Xcite are rolling their water safety sessions out beyond swim lessons and will reach even more people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water.' Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), is one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland. It aims to equip everyone with the skills and knowledge to stay safe around water. The Learn to Swim National Framework helps more than 82,000 children build confidence and skills in the water every week across 167 pools in Scotland.
Powys County Times
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Powys County Times
Warning over dangers of rivers, lakes and waterways as temperatures soar
Warnings are being issued over the risks surrounding rivers, lakes and waterways as temperatures are set to reach heatwave levels in parts of the country. Temperatures are rising this week and are forecast to peak at 33C on Saturday. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has attended more than 280 water-related incidents this year so far, an increase of about 15% compared with the same period in 2024, it said. They have included incidents such as sinking and capsized boats, individuals trapped in mud or caught by the tide, and people and animals in distress in the water. Fifteen incidents resulted in people drowning in London, the fire brigade said. It's another hot day. If you're spending time near the water please be safe. Strong currents, underwater hazards & cold water shock can be deadly We've stepped up our water safety awareness work with communities & stakeholders this #DrowningPreventionWeek — London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 19, 2025 As part of a national push during Drowning Prevention Week, LFB is increasing engagement with communities to raise awareness of water safety risks. During a visit to Kingston Fire Station, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey met local firefighters and observed a live demonstration of the brigade's river flume tank. The tank includes a hydraulic flume with a range of features such as bridges, rocks and weirs to demonstrate how water behaves in rivers. Since its introduction at Twickenham Fire Station last year, the tank has been used across London to show schools, youth groups, communities and stakeholders how even experienced swimmers can quickly get into difficulty in open water. Pam Oparaocha, assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'We're working closely with MPs, schools and local communities to help people understand the serious water safety risks as summer approaches. 'With warm weather and school holidays on the horizon, we want people, especially young people, to enjoy our waterways safely, and that starts with education. 'Strong currents, underwater hazards and cold water shock can be deadly. It's important to know the risks and to familiarise yourself with lifesaving equipment like throwlines, which are available along many of London's waterways. There's a wealth of guidance on our website to help people stay safe this summer.' Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for the fire service, said: 'London's rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, they can contain hidden dangers. 'The mayor and I are working to improve the capital's waterways for everyone to enjoy, and I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade's advice to stay safe in and around water. 'As the hot weather continues and with the summer holidays looming, this timely work with young people will help save lives and build a safer London for everyone.'
South Wales Argus
19-06-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Argus
Warning over dangers of rivers, lakes and waterways as temperatures soar
Temperatures are rising this week and are forecast to peak at 33C on Saturday. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has attended more than 280 water-related incidents this year so far, an increase of about 15% compared with the same period in 2024, it said. They have included incidents such as sinking and capsized boats, individuals trapped in mud or caught by the tide, and people and animals in distress in the water. Fifteen incidents resulted in people drowning in London, the fire brigade said. As part of a national push during Drowning Prevention Week, LFB is increasing engagement with communities to raise awareness of water safety risks. During a visit to Kingston Fire Station, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey met local firefighters and observed a live demonstration of the brigade's river flume tank. The tank includes a hydraulic flume with a range of features such as bridges, rocks and weirs to demonstrate how water behaves in rivers. Since its introduction at Twickenham Fire Station last year, the tank has been used across London to show schools, youth groups, communities and stakeholders how even experienced swimmers can quickly get into difficulty in open water. Pam Oparaocha, assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'We're working closely with MPs, schools and local communities to help people understand the serious water safety risks as summer approaches. 'With warm weather and school holidays on the horizon, we want people, especially young people, to enjoy our waterways safely, and that starts with education. 'Strong currents, underwater hazards and cold water shock can be deadly. It's important to know the risks and to familiarise yourself with lifesaving equipment like throwlines, which are available along many of London's waterways. There's a wealth of guidance on our website to help people stay safe this summer.' Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for the fire service, said: 'London's rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, they can contain hidden dangers. 'The mayor and I are working to improve the capital's waterways for everyone to enjoy, and I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade's advice to stay safe in and around water. 'As the hot weather continues and with the summer holidays looming, this timely work with young people will help save lives and build a safer London for everyone.'
Leader Live
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Leader Live
Warning over dangers of rivers, lakes and waterways as temperatures soar
Temperatures are rising this week and are forecast to peak at 33C on Saturday. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has attended more than 280 water-related incidents this year so far, an increase of about 15% compared with the same period in 2024, it said. They have included incidents such as sinking and capsized boats, individuals trapped in mud or caught by the tide, and people and animals in distress in the water. Fifteen incidents resulted in people drowning in London, the fire brigade said. As part of a national push during Drowning Prevention Week, LFB is increasing engagement with communities to raise awareness of water safety risks. During a visit to Kingston Fire Station, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey met local firefighters and observed a live demonstration of the brigade's river flume tank. The tank includes a hydraulic flume with a range of features such as bridges, rocks and weirs to demonstrate how water behaves in rivers. Since its introduction at Twickenham Fire Station last year, the tank has been used across London to show schools, youth groups, communities and stakeholders how even experienced swimmers can quickly get into difficulty in open water. Pam Oparaocha, assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'We're working closely with MPs, schools and local communities to help people understand the serious water safety risks as summer approaches. 'With warm weather and school holidays on the horizon, we want people, especially young people, to enjoy our waterways safely, and that starts with education. 'Strong currents, underwater hazards and cold water shock can be deadly. It's important to know the risks and to familiarise yourself with lifesaving equipment like throwlines, which are available along many of London's waterways. There's a wealth of guidance on our website to help people stay safe this summer.' Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for the fire service, said: 'London's rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, they can contain hidden dangers. 'The mayor and I are working to improve the capital's waterways for everyone to enjoy, and I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade's advice to stay safe in and around water. 'As the hot weather continues and with the summer holidays looming, this timely work with young people will help save lives and build a safer London for everyone.'
