Avon Fire & Rescue Service is urging locals celebrating the New Year in Bath to take extra care around water this evening, following a number of tragedies in the River Avon this year.
The warning comes ahead of many people going out celebrating the festivities with family, friends and colleagues this evening.
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 rivers and in the docks.
“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.”
