With the Christmas party season in full swing, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is taking the opportunity to issue festive advice to revellers across the Bath area.
The warning comes ahead of the festive season when many people will be out celebrating with family, friends and colleagues.
A number of pubs and venues in Bristol and Bath are now displaying vital safety messages on digital advertising screens.
They remind drinkers about the dangers the waterways pose. They also advise younger drinkers to order a takeaway rather than cook when they get home after drinking.
Many fires attended by AF&RS start when the occupant has started cooking and fallen asleep after a night out.
AF&RS Group Manager for Community Safety, Matt Peskett, said: “There have been a number of tragedies where people enjoying nights out have lost their lives in the waterways in Bristol and Bath.
“In the run up to Christmas and New Year celebrations there is a real buzz in the evenings as people celebrate the festive season. Where people are out drinking near the water we’re just asking that they give some extra thought to the safety of themselves and friends.
“The last place you would want to end up at this time of year is in the river as the water is particularly cold. The low temperatures mean that even extremely strong swimmers will quickly find themselves in real difficulty.
“Unfortunately what seems like a bit of fun or an accident can have fatal consequences.
“The best advice is to give some thought to how you will get home at the end of the night. If your walk takes you near water and you’ve had a couple of drinks it might be worth thinking about an alternative route or getting a taxi.
Rather than walking home alone, stay in groups and look out for your friends to make sure you all get home safely at the end of your night.
“We also want people to consider getting a takeaway on their way home, rather than cooking themselves. A fire could easily start if you get distracted or fall asleep after drinking.”
AF&RS has teamed up with Bath Business Improvement District (BID) to help promote its messages amongst revellers.
BID rangers will be out on the streets of the city during the festive period providing advice on safe routes home and urging people to get a takeaway, rather than cook when they return home after a few drinks.
BID Ranger Jenny Adams said: “The BID Nightwatch work all year long to maintain Bath’s enjoyable and safe reputation for all and we are privileged to team up with AF&RS to continue our commitment to the city’s night time economy.
“Our city has consistently been awarded Purple Flag accreditation due to the hard work implementing campaigns designed to ensure a safer night out for all.
“In this festive period it’s important to remember to have a good time but let us follow the simple and effective advice from AF&RS in order to remember these celebrations for the right reasons.
“We are committed to help spread the message that an extra few pounds on a takeaway will reduce cooking accidents and free up more time in your evenings to spend a bit longer planning a safer route home.
“By following this straightforward advice we can all enjoy the buzz of the festive period in Bath.”