Water safety alert for revellers

STAFF and swimmers at Wales National Pool Swansea have been backing the #Don’tdrinkanddrown campaign in the countdown to the big festive weekend.

Swansea Council, South Wales Police and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are all behind the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS) effort to discourage revellers from going near rivers or lakes after a night out.

And swimmers at Wales National Pool Swansea have been doing their bit for the cause by raising much-needed funds to support the campaign.

Jeremy Cole, general manager at the pool, said: “No matter how strong a swimmer you might be, alcohol and open water are never a good mix, especially so after a night out in the city centre. No-one wants a festive event to end in tragedy and one of our main messages to people is not to go home alone.

“The RLSS says that by sticking with friends you’re much less likely to go on a wander near water.

“The money raised will go towards the organisation’s education and awarenessraising activities.”

Over recent months Swansea Council has been marking rescue aids with GPS co-ordinates so emergency services can locate them quickly if needed. The council is also looking at installing electronic sensors to life-saving equipment which will trigger an alarm if they are vandalised or damaged.