Festive cheer can quickly turn to tragedy after one too many drinks.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) joined forces with our partners at Newcastle City Council to support this year’s Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) “Don’t Drink and Drown” campaign (6-12 December).Sub-title or introductory text can go here, if required

The campaign urges partygoers to:

•            Look out for your friends, make sure they get home safely.

•            If you’ve had a drink, stay away from the water.

•            Find an alternative route home; avoid walking near the water.

•            Remember: cold water shock kills.

Lifesaving Throwline Boards Installed on Newcastle Quayside

In time for the festive season, Newcastle City Council has installed nine new throwline boards between Ouseburn and St. Peter’s Basin, bringing the total to 23 boards along the riverside from Redheugh Bridge to St. Peter’s Basin.

Since the first of the throwlines were installed back in 2023, they have already helped save the lives of two people.

The Risks

•            RLSS UK say that 46% of accidental drownings in those people aged 18-25 involve alcohol and/or drugs*. 3 in 4 young adult drinkers think it is okay to drink alcohol and get into the water.**

•            Young adults are three times more likely to have been swimming or entered the water after drinking alcohol, compared to older adults**

How To Use The Throwline Boards in an Emergency:

•            Call 999 and ask for the Fire Service

•            Quote the location stated on the board, for example, N7.

•            Firefighter Control will then provide the caller with a code to access the throw-bag

•            Remove bag and open Velcro toggle

•            Grab open end of bag with your throwing hand

•            Grasp rope firmly with your other hand

•            Throw bag towards the person being rescued, keeping a firm hold of the rope and pull to safety.

Tommy Richardson, Water Safety Lead for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“Christmas time is all about having fun with your friends and family, but joy and happiness can turn to tragedy in the blink of an eye when alcohol and waterways are mixed together.

“We would always urge people to abide by the advice given out by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, as sadly far too many times, we have seen the heartbreak caused by someone drowning after a night out.

“Tragedies like these can be averted by individuals avoiding waterways on their way home. Please book a taxi or get public transport as you and your family will be grateful for it in the morning.

“The investment in throwline boards by the local authority is crucial as the equipment along the riverside can ultimately help to save lives.”

Cllr Alex Hay, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The safety of everyone in our city is our absolute priority and we’re really pleased to be able to continue to provide such essential kit that offers reassurance to all who enjoy our spectacular riverside.

“The almost £15,000 invested in the nine new throw lines between Ouseburn and St Peter’s Basin is money well spent – particularly for those areas that did not have such equipment before.

“Of course we hope they are never needed but, where the previous lifebelts were often subject to vandalism and theft, these throw lines – which can only be accessed using a code given when you ring 999 – are there when they’re needed, and have more than proven their worth, helping to save lives.

“However, that does not mean our rivers do not still pose significant risk – look after yourself and others, and make sure nobody ends up in the water in the first place.”

Hayley Edney, Senior Head of Communications and Marketing at RLSS UK, said:

“We’ve launched our Don’t Drink and Drown campaign ahead of the festive season when the risk of substance-related drownings increases. The campaign emphasises the importance of making safe choices after drinking—don’t go home alone, look out for your friends, and avoid routes near water.

“We urge everyone to ‘Be a Mate’ by ensuring their friends get home safely. Alcohol and drugs significantly increase the risk near water, so please enjoy the festivities, but steer clear of water after drinking. Remember, your presence is the most precious gift you can give your loved ones this Christmas.”

For further information about RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign please visit www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/dont-drink-and-drown 

#BeaMate

#DontDrinkandDrown

*Source: WAID (2018-2023) **Source: One Poll (2024), a UK nationally representative survey of adults aged 18+