Tarmac is supporting Drowning Prevention Week, a UK-wide campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of entering open water and providing people with the information they need to enjoy the water safely.
Running between 12-19 June 2020 and organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), the campaign is timed to coincide with the beginning of summer and a period that traditionally sees an increase in fatal drowning incidents.
Tarmac, which owns and operates quarries all over the UK, is urging members of the public to stay away and resist any temptation to trespass at its sites, particularly during warmer periods and as the Government’s coronavirus lockdown measures for exercising outdoors continue to ease.
The company has already been taking robust measures at a number of its sites to improve safety and discourage those from illegally entering any of its quarry lakes, which often contain many hidden dangers and hazards.
Andy Shuttlewood, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality director at Tarmac, said: “A combination of factors including the Government’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the recent period of extended hot weather has resulted in people illegally visiting quarries with lakes across the country.
“Sadly, this kind of activity can often result in fatal accidents, which is why we are committed to educating local communities about this important issue. Quarries may seem tempting places to visit for a variety of reasons but contain many hidden dangers and hazards. It’s vital that for their safety, all members of the public keep away and do not trespass on these sites
“We’re therefore pleased to be supporting the Drowning Prevention Week campaign, which is making a positive effort to help give people the vital skills and knowledge they need to enjoy the water, safely.”
Now in its seventh year, the campaign has been gaining increasing support for its goals to educate individuals and families about water safety, and has been backed by a wide range of organisations including the RNLI, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the emergency services and the Mineral Products Association – of which Tarmac is a member.
Further information is available via the RLSS’ website (www.rlss.org.uk/drowning-prevention-week) which includes a new video ‘The Families’ Story’ that powerfully explains the importance of staying safe around open water.
