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River is a no go says fire station manager

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date04 August 2022
Youngsters have been spotted going into the water around the area of The Groves in Chester, with a Chester fire chief expressing concern that even the strongest of swimmers can drown in open water like this

Chester Fire Station manager Andy Gray warns that every year people need rescuing, suffered serious injuries or even die.

He's urged people to keep themselves and their friends safe and stay away from the water.

There have been a number of deaths in the river over the past few years, including the tragic death of young boxer Frank Varey, 16, who died after going into the river in Chester last summer.

Calls have previously been made for something to be done to stop any more tragedies from taking place.

The Moorings cafe on The Groves has previously taken to Twitter after seeing young people gathered on a pontoon nearby, warning: "It's not even 12 months since the young Frank Varey drowned off this very pontoon.

"No warning/danger signs, no life ring... what will it take? Another death?"

On what was World Drowning Prevention Day, Chester fire station manager Andy Gray has issued a fresh warning to people to stay out of the water.

Station manager Gray said: "While it is understandable people want to cool off in hot weather, what they may not understand is the real danger surrounding such activity, underestimating the risk.

"The effects of cold water shock and not knowing how to self-rescue can cause the strongest swimmers to drown.

"Even on a warm day the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing a physical reaction which can make it difficult to control breathing, cause panic and make it difficult to swim.

"In 2020, 254 lives were lost because people were spending time in and around water. These deaths are preventable so we are urging...

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