WE'VE all been there. You've had a skinful down Lark Lane and you find yourself next to Sefton Park lake. That bandstand is so near. You feel a performance coming on. You could'a been a contender, you tell yor mates....and... SPLASH!
Next thing you know, you're being pecked at by hissing swans, fished out by the fire brigade and pictured on page three of the South Liverpool Champion with a shopping trolley wedged around your ankle.
The sobering bit: Every year more than 400 people lose their lives through accidental drowning , and inland water accounts for 63 per cent of these deaths.
The UK’s leading authority on water safety and drowning prevention has issued advice to help reduce alcohol related drownings.
With so many Mersey temptations, it is prudent to pas it on. However, they say every recreational. activity that involves water is potentially dangerous.
TOP TIPS
Know your limits with alcohol.
Planning is key and if you fancy swimming, why not do so before drinking?
Eat a good meal before or while you are drinking.
Driving a boat under the influence is the same as driving a car — so don’t drink and drive a boat (hadn't even thought of that, ed).
Drink plenty of water (the good sort).
Have a sober friend who can help if someone gets into trouble.
Set a limit on how many drinks you are going to have when you drink, and stick to it.
Always stick together — why would you let a friend wander off alone, especially if they are drunk?
Remember — the effects of alcohol are magnified when you are in or on the water so take care!
Look after your friends, resuscitation efforts are less likely to work when you are drunk, so make sure you and your friends are safe.
