⚠️ THINK BEFORE YOU JUMP: OPEN WATER IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN YOU THINK ⚠️

Earlier this evening, we received reports of a group of teenagers jumping from a bridge into open water. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, but the incident serves as an important reminder of the very real dangers associated with open water.

With the warmer weather continuing and the summer holidays fast approaching, we're encouraging everyone across our communities to stay safe around open water.

Whether you're out walking, enjoying a picnic, paddleboarding, fishing or meeting friends, please remember that rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and other open water can be far more dangerous than they appear. Cold water shock, hidden hazards, strong currents and sudden changes in depth can quickly become life-threatening.

We also strongly encourage parents and carers to speak with their children and young people about the dangers of open water before they head out with friends. A simple conversation about the risks and making safe choices could help prevent a tragedy.

Please help keep yourself and others safe by remembering:

• Only swim at designated, supervised swimming locations where possible.

• Never jump or dive into open water – you may not know what's beneath the surface.

• Never enter the water after consuming alcohol or drugs.

• Keep a close eye on children and encourage older children and young people to make safe choices around water.

• If someone gets into difficulty, don't enter the water to rescue them. Call 999 immediately, ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if inland, or the Coastguard if at the coast. If it is safe to do so, throw something that floats and encourage them to stay calm until help arrives.

We are incredibly fortunate to have beautiful rivers, reservoirs and open spaces across Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough and the surrounding villages. By looking out for one another and taking a few simple precautions, we can all help prevent avoidable tragedies this summer.

Please share this post with your family, friends and local community to help spread this important message and keep everyone safe this summer.

Thank you for helping to keep our communities safe.

Your Local Neighbourhood Policing Team 🚔