Water security throughout Heat Alert

As very excessive temperatures proceed following the Red Heat Alert throughout Bedford Borough, heat climate could make native lakes and rivers look inviting.

But these will be extraordinarily harmful. Unfortunately, many individuals lose their lives annually in open water as a result of hidden risks and dangers. Cold water shock, sturdy currents and hidden hazards can rapidly put lives in danger. 

Together with the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Bedford Borough Council strongly encourages folks to not enter rivers or open water, to remain secure and to get pleasure from them from the banks.

If somebody is in hassle, name 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service, don’t enter the water. Use lifesaving tools from the financial institution whether it is secure to take action.

Lifesaving tools corresponding to lifebelts or lifebuoys are there for emergencies. Misuse or removing may value a life. If anybody witnesses folks misusing life rings, this needs to be reported instantly to the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 807060 and to the Police non-emergency quantity 101.

Along our rivers, we’ve lifebuoys and different water security tools accessible – they’re there to assist save lives with out placing others in danger. If you see one lacking or broken, use the contact particulars on the machine or on close by signage. 

And please report lacking or broken tools to Bedford Borough Council so we will change it rapidly right here:

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have additionally put in water security boards outfitted with emergency throw baggage and rescue poles at key high-risk spots alongside the River Great Ouse in Bedford. Check the what3words location for:

• Opposite Zizzi’s restaurant: Aside.stick.decks

• Opposite Castle Bailey gardens: Kick.teams.noise

•  By the suspension bridge: Shirt.speaks.zoom

•  By Longholme Café: Foam.undertake.leaps

Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services stated; “Lifebuoys and different water security equipment are very important items of lifesaving tools. Misusing or eradicating them is just not a innocent prank, it may forestall somebody from being rescued in an emergency and will finally value a life.

“We would encourage all members of the public to respect water safety equipment, report any damage or misuse, and help ensure that lifebuoys remain available when they are needed most.”