Swimmers at Bristol docks are risking their lives, say emergency services
HUNDREDS of people are risking their lives and wasting the emergency services' time by jumping into Bristol's docks.
Ambulances, fire crews, police and others say they are having their resources stretched by people jumping into Bristol's floating harbour during hot weather, or falling in after drinking too much alcohol.
-
Figures recorded by harbour- master Tony Nichols reveal 300 men, women and children had to be rescued or sparked emergency call-outs between March 28 last year and this.
With people enjoying two bank holidays in a row, the city council and emergency services have condemned such behaviour as "dangerous" and "stupid", not to mention both illegal and costly.
Bridal hand tied bouquet (Roses)
2 Bridesmaids (Roses)
Groom & Best Man button holes (Roses)
Terms:
Discounted rates apply to larger Bridal party requests.
Not to be used with any other offer.
Contact: 0117 2448228
Valid until: Tuesday, December 31 2013
The area in question spans from the docks and Cumberland Basin to Netham Lock and includes the Floating Harbour.
When someone jumps into the water or falls in under the influence of alcohol, a 999 call can result in the harbourmaster, fire brigade, police and ambulance service attending, costing thousands of pounds every year.
On average, it costs Bristol tax payers £220 every time 999 is dialled and an ambulance is requested. With most water incidents, more than one of the emergency services is called so the overall cost is likely to be nearer £1,000.
"The water in the floating harbour can be very dangerous and deceptive, especially on a hot, summer's day or late at night," warned a council spokeswoman. "The water is deep and cold, with lots of boats and ferries moving through the area, often in the dark.
"The most dangerous situation is unsupervised individuals who may have consumed alcohol who decide to enter the water. They will either get into difficulties or run the risk of being hit by a vessel."
Since January, the harbourmaster's team has attended 11 incidents, a figure expected to increase over the summer when there can be three or four call-outs per day, particularly at the weekends.
Thus far, the council has not prosecuted anyone but has been working with the police on the best methods and protocol for doing so in the future.
Inspector Keith Rundle, Avon and Somerset police's licensing officer, said: "Jumping into the water on the harbourside is stupid and very dangerous. We're asking people to think twice before they put their own lives and the lives of others at risk for the sake of a bit of fun."
Although Avon Fire and Rescue Service is not called to every person who jumps into the waterways, they were involved in 17 incidents between April 2010 and March 2011.
Of those 17, six needed emergency rescue and the others either got out themselves or were rescued by other people.
Fire service spokeswoman Stephanie Mounsey said: "While rivers and lakes may look very tempting during warm weather, the temperature of the water can still be extremely cold, meaning anyone falling in would quickly develop signs of hypothermia. Alcohol added to the effects of the cold water can affect your reactions, even if you are the strongest swimmer."
In the last few weeks, Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) has also attended seven water-related incidents in the Bristol area, compared to none during the same period last year.
Comments
by krankenhaus
Sunday, June 24 2012, 7:50PM
“They know the risks, health and safety gone mad etc.”
by Mikey_Blake
Sunday, June 24 2012, 5:58PM
“There are hundreds of people out sailing and canoeing in the Harbour during the week, and dozens of those capsize and gulp down water, many of them do it deliberately, and none of them ever suffer from illness or sickness, according to the Instructors (I took the trouble of asking)
The Harbour is now very clean in that respect, but there are one or two areas, where the water is still-(ish), like along Welsh Back, where the big boats are moored, where you might still pick up Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis) if you cut yourself an have an open wound. You only get that through an open cut, not by swallowing the water.
So have no fears, just jump in an amuse the onlookers, BUT PLEASE carry a big sign which says "I don't want to be rescued by the Emergency Services"”
by Kaptain_Von
Sunday, June 24 2012, 1:33PM
“I have to agree with katachua there, Leptospirosis is definitely not a pleasant disease. A job I did back in the 80s meant I came into daily contact with dock water and I had to carry a card saying that I had been exposed to Leptospirosis. The primary symptoms are flu-like so are easily mis-diagnosed but the secondary symptoms involve liver damage and renal failure. Thus if I had at any point shown flu-like symptoms (even if it was just flu) I had to be tested in hospital as a matter of emergency. My co-workers and myself never wanted to feel even vaguely flu-like whilst carrying the cards believe me.
Fortunately I never got flu (or Leptospirosis) but a few years later one of my former colleagues did contract Leptospirosis whilst working at a dockside site. Luckily the fact he was carrying the card meant that he got urgent treatment and made a full recovery.
Unfortunately, people using the harbour for swimming etc are unlikely to have been issued the card and thus would think that the initial symptoms were just flu meaning their lives would be at serious risk.
Whilst it is relatively uncommon it isn't an illness I would wish on anyone and whilst the water may be inviting is it really worth the risk of exposure to something as nasty as Leptospirosis?”
by katachua
Sunday, June 24 2012, 12:55PM
“@nolistemtome
Fair point, although there's no need to SHOUT.
Don't forget the rat's urine as well. Leptospirosis, aka Weil's disease, is not a nice way to die.”
by katachua
Sunday, June 24 2012, 12:51PM
“@Martyn, Bristol
"Good you flag this up but you have to wonder why town planners put such enticing water features in the heart of the city."
Oh, please! The city was build around these "water features", better known as the CIty Docks. Go away and come back when you know something about Bristol and its history.”
by nolistentome
Saturday, June 23 2012, 7:53PM
“JUST LIKE TO MENTION................PEOPLE WHO LIVE ON BOATS IN BRISTOL DOCKS USE IT AS A TOILET!!! WORTH THINKING ABOUT BEFORE TAKING A PLUNGE!!! AND THATS NOT TO MENTION THE OIL PETROL AND DIESEL THAT GOES IN THERE!!”
by katachua
Saturday, June 23 2012, 6:46PM
“@Morrissey, Montpelier
"I wonder if many whining about people swimming in the habour also whinge about "health and safety gone mad" etc..."
It's about people having enough sense of responsibility not to do idiotic things. You obviously don't understand that; it must be a generational thing.
@DockLobster
"And then there was the lying Tory who said there were no accidents at the Waterfront..."
No he didn't. I refer the honourable member to my previous answer.”
by Mikey_Blake
Saturday, June 23 2012, 2:39PM
“@DockLobster.
You need to differentiate between accidents in the Harbour with people falling in where there are no railings, and deliberate jumping in, or falling in where there are railings, most commonly down by the Arnolfini, because the idiots who fall in are the wrong side of the railings anway.”
by Mikey_Blake
Saturday, June 23 2012, 2:31PM
“As a kid I used to live in Hotwells and during the warm spells dozens of kids, and grown-ups, even Pensioners, used to leap into the water down by the old Sand Wharf (not far from the Pump House Pub) and have a swim around or even across to where the Cottage Pub now stands.
In those days there was no 'elf-and-saftee' rules and the Harbour people were not officious, so let us get on with it, till we got cold or tired.
I don't recall anyone ever drowning or needed to be rescued by Emergency Services, even when some of those grown-up were a little 'pickled', so the others used to yank them out if they need help.
If people want to jump in, or fall in, let their friends rescue them if need be.
It really doesn't require the services of the "Emergency Services".
The modern world has gone stark raving mad.”
by FromMendip
Saturday, June 23 2012, 1:34PM
“"It is quite bizarre that a city that has water central to its history, culture and economy lacks places to swim in the summer. Having been in the city for thirteen years (so nearly a Bristolian by residency) the one and only thing I miss, and crave, is some good outdoor swimming in the warmer months ¿ Bristol has got everything else!"
The Clifton Lido features outdoor swimming. People have to pay there though.”