Be water aware this holiday
Warnings are being made to young people tempted to take a dip in local rivers, streams and other waterways following an accident in Witham this morning.
A 12-year-old girl was taken to Broomfield Hospital after suffering a nasty cut to her right foot while in the stream which runs near Guithavon Road at about 11am.
Thankfully she wasn't more seriously injured, but local emergency care practitioner Steve Colmer, who attended the job, urged people to think twice about playing near water because of the potential consequences.
"With the summer holidays in full swing, it is very tempting for children to go out and explore, which of course is only natural," said Steve. "However there can be hidden dangers in even the most shallow of water, such as holes and of course litter.
"If someone does get injured, or ingests the water, this carries the risk of contracting diseases from wildlife who live in that local habitat.
"We would encourage anyone no matter how many people they are with or how confident they are about being in the water that all may not be as it seems and to heed any warning signs which indicate a danger they can hopefully avoid."
ENDS
For further information about being water wise and stay safe during the summer, please click on to the link http://www.rospa.com/waterandleisuresafety
