Quayside scheme to help cut Tyne deaths
TRAINING AND LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR STAFF
Reporter BARS on Newcastle Quayside are being equipped with lifesaving equipment after a number of drownings in the Tyne.
Licensed premises are being equipped with flotation aids that can be thrown into the Tyne and used to reel in people who fall into the water.
This comes as at least five bodies have been recovered from the river since January.
As the warm weather approaches and more revellers are expected to be drinking out on the Quayside, the chair of Safe Newcastle, Councillor Nick Kemp, has warned of the consequences of falling into the Tyne.
He said: “Sadly people do fall into the Tyne and the consequences can be fatal. It can also be traumatic for people who witness it but at least these throw bags will give them a fighting chance of trying to rescue them.”
The scheme is a joint venture between the council, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and NE1 Ltd and involves inflatable throw bags being handed out to staff.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Alan Robson explained how the equipment differs from life buoys.
He said: “The advantage of this flotation aid is that it is fastened to a rope. When it is thrown, and if the person in the water misses it, it can be retrieved and thrown again. With a life buoy you only get one chance.
“Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue will offer to train door staff and bar staff who want to use these flotation aids for free. It’s not instead of life buoys but an additional measure that can be taken to help people in difficulties.”
This comes just weeks after plans for revellers to float down the river Tyne in inflatable boats were slammed by authorities.
More than 12,000 people ‘liked’ the plans on Facebook which were branded ‘stupid’ by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service who warned that people could lose their lives if they take part in the amateur event.
Organiser Kieran Chapman defended his logic in the face of mass criticism, claiming the event was a ‘social experiment’ which he has no control or responsibility over.
The Facebook page has since been used to tout tickets to an official afterparty, to be held in an undisclosed field, and a flat to rent in Blaydon.
Adrian Waddell, Director of Operations at NE1 Ltd stressed the importance of river safety as the flotation aids were demonstrated.
He said: “We want to make Newcastle one of the safest places for nights out and river safety is of paramount importance.
“It’s a great scheme and we look forward to it being rolled out in the city and more widely in the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service area.”