Latest news with #BillyFenwick
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'It is not worth dying for a dip': Warning issued as temperatures soar
A warning has been issued over swimming in open water as temperatures soar. It is anticipated to push towards 30 degrees Celsius across the region today (Friday). And Greater Manchester Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said they are urging people to be 'be careful around open water.' READ MORE: "I can't change it, but wow am I paying for it": Mum gets STUCK in Turkey after making 'worst mistake of my life' in hotel room while drunk with boyfriend READ MORE: Mum, 40, and daughter, 8, found dead at home as more details heard into tragedy GMFRS said there been four deaths in water in the last twelve weeks alone – more than caused by fire in the same time. They have attended 23 fatal water incidents since April last year and 65 since April 2020, they said. In a statement issued as part of Drowning Prevention Week, they said 'water is often a lot shallower than it appears, and hidden hazards lurk below the surface', and that cold water shock can be fatal, even to strong swimmers. They urged people who may get into trouble to 'float to live' and tilt their head back with their ears submerged and for bystanders or witnesses to 'call, tell, throw' - ring 999, tell the person to float and to throw something for them to grab on. Area Manager Billy Fenwick, Head of Prevention at GMFRS, said: 'It is vitally important that everyone knows, even strong swimmers, that there are always dangers with open water. Cold water shock can kill, and there are often hazards in water that are not seen from the surface. It is not worth dying for a dip. 'If you see someone in trouble in the water, remember: 'Float to Live'. "Always call 999 and ask for fire - or the coastguard by sea - if you see someone struggling in water, tell them to float and throw them a float aid if there is one nearby. 'We will be emphasising these messages throughout the summer and working with local communities and schools to get this across.' -- For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
BBC News
a day ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Warning after four drownings in 12 weeks in Greater Manchester
Four people have drowned in open water in the past 12 weeks in Greater Manchester, firefighters have said as they issued a safety warning ahead of the school fire service said there had been a slight rise in the number of fatalities to 23 since April 2024, compared to the previous Fenwick, head of prevention at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said jumping into open water could be fatal and there were "always dangers" including for strong swimmers."Cold water shock can kill and there are often hazards in water that are not seen from the surface. It is not worth dying for a dip." He said firefighters were "working with local communities and schools to get this across". GMFRS said 65 people had died due to drowning in open water in the region since April four deaths over the past 12 weeks were more than those caused by fires during the same period, GMFRS advised people to ring 999 when seeing someone in difficulty and not to go in the water but instead encourage the person to float on their back while throwing them an item that those who get into trouble in water, they encouraged tilting their head back with ears submerged, and relaxing and breathing normally while moving hands and legs to stay afloat."It's fine if your legs sink, we all float differently," GMFRS said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
