Fire services urge summer safety as Southport temperatures approach 30°C
Fire and rescue services are asking families across Southport and the wider Liverpool City Region to talk to children and young people about staying safe outdoors during the summer holidays.
Temperatures are forecast to reach around 30°C in the Southport area between Tuesday, August 11, and Thursday, August 13. Children may spend more time outside, whether they are meeting friends, visiting the countryside or spending time with family.
Take care around open water
Rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs and quarries can look inviting on a hot day, but the water may be much colder than it appears. Cold-water shock can affect anyone, including strong swimmers, and can make it harder to breathe, move and stay afloat.
Children should be encouraged to swim in supervised places such as swimming pools rather than entering open water.
If someone unexpectedly falls into the water, they should remember Float to Live: stay calm, tilt the head back with the ears submerged, spread the arms and legs, and control breathing. Once calm, they can call for help or swim to safety if they are able.
Help prevent wildfires
Dry vegetation can catch fire quickly, and a single spark may be enough to start a wildfire. Disposable barbecues, cigarettes, litter and other sources of heat or sparks can ignite grass and vegetation.
- Leave disposable barbecues at home and take a picnic instead.
- Take all rubbish home.
- Never drop cigarettes or leave them smouldering.
- Keep children away from barbecues, fires and other flames or sources of heat.
If you see a fire outdoors, move to a safe place and call 999. Do not try to tackle it or put yourself and others at risk.
There are still several weeks of the holidays to enjoy. A short conversation before children head out could help them make safer choices and know what to do if something goes wrong.
More summer safety advice is available from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
