Joining forces for water
safety |
5 Sep 2005 |
Although summer is almost over the risk to youngsters
using inflatables in the sea, lakes and reservoirs remains
a constant source of worry and danger.
To help reduce the hazard South Tyneside Council and
local traders have now joined forces in a Trading Standards
initiative whereby traders will not sell inflatables,
including dinghies, lilos, airbeds and rings to children
who are not accompanied by an adult.
Announcing this latest scheme Councillor Michael Clare,
Lead Member Neighbourhood Services says he is delighted
that traders in South Tyneside are giving their backing
to the initiative that will help reduce the risk of
an accident involving children and water.
Councillor Jim Foreman the Lead Member Lifelong Learning
and Leisure, added that inflatables must always be used
extremely carefully and responsibly.
"A young person using an inflatable in the sea
or other area of open water is putting themselves in
danger if there is no parent or other responsible adult
there to closely supervise them at all times.
The sea can be a very dangerous place and the combination
of currents and winds can quickly take a youngster with
an inflatable out of their depth into serious difficulty."
Councillor Clare concludes: "We are pleased that
local shops have been so quick to support the initiative
- if there are any which aren't yet involved we would
urge them to give us a call.
South Tyneside Council's Trading Standards can be contacted
on 424 7859.
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