Warning issued over open water dangers

Russell Robson urged people to keep safe around open water this summer

Authorities have urged people to keep safe in and around open water over the summer.

In 2023, 236 people died across the country after going into a river.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said people should use the "float to live" technique if they get into difficulty.

As part of that simple method, people should put their legs and arms out wide and head back for buoyancy.

Russell Robson, a waterway team leader for the Environment Agency, urged people to be careful.

“We have had flooding for eight months. The riverbed has changed. You might have jumped into that spot 10 or 12 times in the last few years. But there might be something in that water that’s been moved by the flood water,” he said.

Neil Whiteman, from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Think: is the water going to be cold? Try the water first. Get used to it like you do in the sea.”

Neil Whiteman said people should be cautious near water

According to the RNLI, anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect breathing and movement.

It said average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are 12°C. Rivers such as the Thames are colder, even in the summer.

Several people have died in Berkshire after getting into difficulties in open water over recent years.

Father-of-five Eyad Al Ryabi, 31, and Mohammed Al Safadi, 37, were caught in currents in the River Thames near Cookham in June 2020.

Mr Al Ryabi had been trying to save Mr Al Safadi from the water.

Shadrack Appiah, 10, died after he was pulled from the River Kennet in Reading in August 2023.