READING Borough Council has installed new safety facilities along waterways in the town.
Eight new throw lines and emergency information boards have been added to sites along the River Thames and River Kennet, providing residents with tools to help someone in trouble in the water.
Large cases have been installed at the sites containing lines which can be thrown to those struggling to stay afloat and bring them ashore.
They’ve been complemented with boards featuring vital safety information including location data which will help guide emergency services to the location.
The new safety equipment has been installed by the Council and funded through Community Infrastructure Levies or CIL.
New developments are required to make CIL payments to improve local facilities and local councillors successfully applied to this fund for additional water safety equipment along the Thames and the Kennet rivers.
These mean that six throw lines have been installed at the sides of the River Thames, between Caversham Lock and the towpath near Cow Lane.
The two others are at County Lock in the town centre and Fobney Lock, off Island Road, both along the River Kennet.
The throw lines are in locked cases on large signage boards which also has vital information in the event of an emergency in the water.
The signs feature a code which needs to be given to the fire service when 999 has been called to unlock the throw line box.
Once the 999 operator gives the code and the throw line case is unlocked, there are instructions on how to use it to help the person in the water.
The signs also include a What-Three-Words location code to guide emergency services to the correct spot and an address.
What-Three-Words uses a unique three-word combination code which can be used to provide a location, with an accuracy of around 3m.
It means that those in distress do not need to find a street address and guide emergency services to the exact spot.
Emergency services advise not to get into the water if someone is in trouble as it can put another life in danger and to call 999.
Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are encouraging everyone to have a look at the signs and familiarise themselves with the procedure for using throw lines.
“As with all emergency equipment, we hope they are never needed but if you do see someone in the water and you already know how to use a throw line that could save vital time. The information boards explain how to alert the emergency services and how to access and use the equipment.
“We are also asking people to please only use the equipment in an emergency, and if you suspect a throw line may be missing or damaged please contact us at the council.”
Councillor Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety who sits on the Water Safety Partnership, said: “We are fortunate to have beautiful rivers and brooks running through Reading and all the enjoyment they bring with leisure activities and simple waterside enjoyment.
“But we mustn’t forget, rivers are fast-flowing and even on the hottest of days, our brooks and rivers can be icy cold.
“The appropriate safety equipment must be worn when boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding and swimming is not recommended in our waterways.”
She explained: “As the weather gets warmer, rivers may be a tempting place to cool off, but the water at any time of the year can be so cold as to cause cold water shock if entered–this can lead to going quickly under the water and potentially drowning.
“Jumping into the water may also be tempting, especially jumping from a height, which can cause injuries from debris which can’t be seen under the water.
“It is for these reasons that councillors sought to ensure developer funds through CiL was allocated to ensure the safe use of our waterways reaffirming the work of the Water Safety Partnership.”
