YOUNG people are putting their lives at risk jumping from bridges into the River Avon.
Despite there being strict guidelines in place around swimming or diving into the Avon in Warwick, the current heatwave has seen incidents of groups of young people jumping off the Charter Bridge and Castle Bridge around St Nicholas Park – risking injury or even drowning, particularly if intoxicated.
Warwick District Council community safety spokeswoman Coun Judith Falp said: “Whilst we want local residents to enjoy a range of boating activities on this stretch of water, we also want to ensure that this is done in a safe environment.
“We would therefore like to remind residents that we care too much for their safety and wellbeing to permit jumping off bridges or river swimming.”
Thirteen people have already died nationally in water-related incidents during the current unprecedented heatwave.
Coun Andy Crump, Warwickshire County Council’s fire and rescue spokesman said: “Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service work diligently to respond to call outs for people who get into trouble in open water.
“While we will always be here to support our residents, we urge you to follow safety measures that can avoid these incidents entirely and mitigate the possibility of a nice day ending in tragedy.”
