Multi-agency water safety campaign reinforces risks after recent deaths

A water safety campaign has been launched by Kent Police following the recent death of a boy who drowned in the River Medway. Kent Police is working with Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), Kent County Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Maidstone Leisure Centre and the Environment Agency to reinforce the risks that rivers pose to young people before the school summer holidays.

A 42-year-old man died in the river only last week after he fell in the river. Police believe unsuccessful rescue attempts were made after he got into difficulties in the water.

In the past two months, two youngsters have also died on the River Medway. In May, 12-year-old Alex Chappell from Maidstone had been playing with friends on a rope swing over the river when he fell into the water and drowned.

The month before, Cameron Sandell from Hunton died when he was canoeing at Teston Lock and his canoe capsized in the weir.

Inspector Jerry Prodger, Maidstone neighbourhood policing team, said: “These tragic events have left us in no doubt that the risk posed by rivers should not be underestimated. We will be working closely with the fire service, visiting schools in Maidstone to speak with children directly about the dangers of playing near water and how to stay safe during the summer holidays.”

KFRS will be visiting schools, scout groups and other youth groups in the lead-up to the summer holidays to give advice on staying safe around water. In addition, fire crews will be attending Maidstone River Festival next month with their specialist water rescue equipment and will be giving out water safety tips to visiting parents and children.

Steve Griffiths, KFRS director of community safety, said: “These recent tragic incidents have highlighted the need for extra vigilance around water. We are committed to working closely with partner agencies to raise awareness of the dangers and help reduce the risk of further incidents.”

Sarah Hohler, Cabinet member for education, learning and skills, added: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils is very important to us. With the summer holidays just weeks away and good weather forecast, it’s important to remind children and young people to be safe around rivers and lakes. I am grateful to all the public agencies that have come together to highlight this very important issue.”

Maidstone Leisure Trust, which manages the leisure centre at Mote Park, is backing the water safety campaign. It is committing £5,000 to set up a special fund which will provide a two-month swimming course free of charge to more than 130 primary school-aged children in the borough.

Maidstone Leisure Centre is offering the two-month swimming course, the standard price of which is £17.99 per month. As well as eight lessons, the fee includes unlimited use of the centre’s pools during that time.

Maidstone Leisure Trust chairman Paul Alcock said: “For £36 children can learn an important life skill at Maidstone Leisure Centre. The Maidstone Leisure Trust appreciates that for some families even that fee would prevent their child taking part. We will be talking to primary school headteachers to offer these free courses to children who would benefit the most. We are also endeavouring to get our £5,000 match-funded, so we can offer the course to even more young people.”