Take care with exam celebrations

ALL AREAS: Ahead of A-level and GCSE results days, authorities are encouraging celebrating pupils to look out for each other, particularly if they decide to celebrate on or near the river.

Three water-related deaths have occurred over the past year, all of whom were of school age.

With A-level results being collected today (Thursday), and GCSEs next week, Neil Whiteman, safety education co-ordinator at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, has said pupils should take care whenever they are near the water.

“As you get older, if you’re drinking, be wary of the water as you may stumble and fall in,” he told the Advertiser. “Look after each other, and be a mate; if somebody’s saying they will take the shortcut home, go with them and make sure they get home.

“Once you’ve finished collecting your results], don’t suddenly think ‘it’s a really hot day, I’ll go down jumping into the water’ – think about what you’re doing.”