Warning signs installed at Yorkshire beauty spot where boy, 12, drowned last summer
Warning signs have been installed at a Yorkshire beauty spot to remind people of the hidden dangers of water.
North Yorkshire Council has installed the signs at Richmond Falls to highlights the risks behind deep pools, hidden rocks and strong currents at the popular bathing site.
It comes following a number of incidents in which people have lost their lives in the water in recent years, including a 12-year-old boy who died at Richmond Falls last summer.
A recent inquest was told Khaled Basem Al Satouf, of Leeds, disappeared under the water and did not resurface. His body was found trapped between rocks.
Councillor Carl Les, whose responsibilities include emergency planning, said: “We want everyone who either lives in North Yorkshire or visits the county to enjoy all that is on offer in such a wonderful part of the country.
“But we also want people to be aware of the very real dangers that open water can pose. The signs highlight the local risks but these dangers are not unique to Richmond Falls.
The key safety advice is for a person in danger in water to tilt their head back, spread their arms and legs and to relax while controlling their breathing.
If someone else is in trouble, do not enter the water and instead follow the ‘call, tell, throw’ principle - call 999, tell them to float, and throw something that can help them stay afloat.
“The deaths linked to water that have happened in recent months around the country and in North Yorkshire are tragic and will have a profound effect on the lives of family and friends of those involved.
“These signs are a small, but we hope important, reminder of the risks of entering open water.”
The three signs at Richmond Falls are part of a water safety campaign which has been backed by Royal Air Force Air Cadets who are based in the town.
The officer commanding of the 2040 (Richmond) Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Flight Sergeant Helen Bridges, said: “We are really pleased to be highlighting this campaign with our air cadets to show the very real dangers that water can pose.
“While anyone can get into trouble in water, the messages about safety are especially relevant to young people ahead of the start of the school holidays.”
Flight Sergeant Meg Hall, aged 16, who is from Richmond, added: “I know a lot of friends who do come down to the waterfalls especially when it is nice weather.
“It’s such a great spot to meet socially, but many people perhaps don’t realise just how dangerous it can be to go into the water.
“It’s really good that these signs have been introduced to get the message across to anyone who does come to Richmond Falls.”
Coun Stuart Parsons, who represents the Richmond division on North Yorkshire Council, said: “Richmond Falls have long been a very popular spot in the town for people to come and enjoy such a beautiful location.
“The signs that have been installed are a very visible way of making people aware of the dangers that they could face if they do go into the water here.”