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Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
How to keep your children safe around water this summer as drownings increase
Drownings typically increase between May and August, so it's especially important to be wary of water in summer. Scots have enjoyed their fair share of piping weather already this summer. With these scorching days comes the chance to head to the beach, get out the paddling pool, or even go wild swimming in one of our stunning lochs. But activities involving water can pose several hazards, especially to kids. In fact, cases of drowning increase significantly during hotter seasons, when families go to refresh by taking part in water-based activities. So it's crucial to be aware of the hazards water can pose to young kids and teens. Jo Talbot, commercial director at Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), has offered her advice on keeping youngsters safe. With this in mind, the expert has shared some safety tips for parents of under fives, over fives, and teens, so that wherever you go with the kids this summer, you can enjoy water activities without the worry. Water safety tips for parents of under fives Supervise 'Always watch children near water and keep them within arm's reach,' advises Talbot. 'When your children are in the water, supervise them at all times, enjoy the water with them.' Carlene McAvoy, senior policy manager for water safety at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) adds: 'Hold your child's hand when near any waterways inland or at the coast.' Secure a pram If a pram's brake doesn't work, it can lead to the pram rolling away, potentially causing injury to the child and others. 'Always secure the brake on a pushchair or pram when near waterways,' advises McAvoy. Lock and cover pools or jacuzzis 'If you have a hot or cold tub, make sure it's locked and covered so that young children cannot access it,' recommends McAvoy. 'Paddling pools should always be emptied and stored away somewhere safe when not in use.' Fence off garden ponds 'Be aware of visiting places or friends with garden ponds,' says McAvoy. 'Always keep an eye on your young ones. If you have a pond, we recommend filling it in or securely fencing it off.' Water safety tips for parents of over fives Go to supervised swimming sites 'If you decide to go swimming with your children, it's best to use a properly supervised site with lifeguards such as a life-guarded beach, lido or swimming pool,' recommends McAvoy. Choose bright coloured swimwear 'Dress your child in brightly coloured swimwear so they can be seen,' suggests Talbot. Look at tide times 'Don't get cut off by tides,' stresses McAvoy. 'If you're heading to the beach or a tidal lake or river, take some time to plan your day around the tides. "Go to the Met Office to enter your location and find out what time high and low tide will be.' Teach them about the Water Safety Code The Water Safety Code is a set of simple, easy-to-remember guidelines which encourages people to Stop and Think, Stay Together, Call 999 and Float. 'Teach children and young people to call 999 in an emergency and to tell the call operator that you have a water-based emergency at the coast or inland,' advises McAvoy. Water safety tips for parents of teens Educate them on water safety hazards 'We encourage parents of teenagers to discuss water safety and the dangers of inland water, such as rivers, lakes and quarries,' says Talbot. 'Being able to swim can sometimes not be enough to keep them safe. 'Hazards under the water can cause entrapment, currents can pull a person underwater; and even when the air temperature is high the water can be cold which will affect a person's ability to swim, causing them to drown.' Tell them about the risks of alcohol near water Drinking alcohol, especially excessively, poses several risks when combined with water or when near bodies of water. Explain how alcohol can impair your judgement and increase the chances of an accident, advises McAvoy. Warn them about the dangers of jumping into the unknown 'You can't always see what's under the water and if you crash into a rock or other submerged items you're at risk of serious impact injuries,' warns McAvoy. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
How fast drivers are going on Wales' 20mph roads
How fast drivers are going on Wales' 20mph roads New data reveals the average speed that drivers in Wales are travelling at Transport for Wales has been tracking speeds at 43 locations (Image: North Wales Live ) Fresh data reveals the driving speeds on Wales' 20mph roads, nearly a year and a half after the speed limit change was implemented. The new default limit was rolled out across the majority of previously 30mph roads in Wales in September 2023. Transport for Wales has been tracking speeds at 43 locations in 10 different regions across Wales since the summer of 2023, with approximately seven million vehicle journeys recorded during each monitoring period. The study examined several statistics, including the percentage of drivers travelling at or under 24mph on roads that transitioned from 30mph to 20mph and the weighted average speed of all drivers. In the summer of 2023 - before the new limit was introduced - 20.8% of drivers were clocked at or below 24mph. During this same period, around 37% of drivers were exceeding 30mph, with 10.4% of those reaching 35mph or higher. While the weighted average speed of all drivers for that period was 28.7mph. The same monitoring process was repeated in the winter of 2023/24 and the summer of 2024, and again for the winter of 2024/25. The most recent data, from January 2025, comes nearly 18 months after the speed limit change. Article continues below This latest data indicates that 54% of drivers at the monitored sites were driving at or below 24mph - an increase of about 33% compared to the summer 2023 figure. The percentage of drivers exceeding 30mph on these roads was 15.2%, with 3.9% of those hitting 35mph or above - a significant decrease from the 2023 figure, reports North Wales Live. The average speed of all drivers was recorded at 24.9mph, approximately 4mph slower than in the summer of 2023. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here These figures indicate a significant decrease from the period before the implementation, although they are slightly higher than the winter 2024 figure when the average speed was 24.4mph. According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the most reliable studies estimate that the risk of a pedestrian being fatally struck at 20mph is 1.5%, compared to 8% at 30mph. Despite ongoing controversy surrounding the limit, it has contributed to a decrease in road collisions, fatalities and injuries in Wales. Police data reveals that around 100 fewer individuals were killed or seriously injured on roads with 20mph and 30mph speed limits in the year following the introduction of the default 20mph speed limit, compared to the same period the previous year. However, there has been a corresponding rise in the number of drivers receiving fines. In 2023, 62,742 drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit in north Wales, a figure that rose to 97,088 in 2024. The most significant increase occurred on newly designated 20pmh roads. Over 25,000 speeding offences were recorded on 20mph and 30mph roads in 2023, a number that nearly doubled to just under 57,000 in 2024. Currently, the prosecution threshold stands at speeds of 26mph and above. Concerns have also been raised about the economic implications of the new limit as average driving times lengthen. A review has prompted local authorities to introduce more 'exception' roads where the limit will revert to 30mph. The implementation of the new limit came with a hefty price tag of over £32m, and it's anticipated that several million pounds more will be required to effect the exception road changes. Article continues below
