Water safety warning signs launched at Richmond Falls

Warning signs have been put in place at Richmond Falls to help to highlight the risks, including deep pools, hidden rocks and strong currents at the series of waterfalls a short walk from the town centre.

There have been several incidents in recent years, including the death of a 12-year-old boy who drowned in August last year while playing in the River Swale.

Khaled Basem Al Satouf, from Leeds, was “joking around” in the water, but was actually drowning, an inquest held in Northallerton in May this year found.

Floral tributes left to Khaled Basem Al Satouf (Image: NORTHERN ECHI)

The 12-year-old, who was at the Falls with six other members of his family, disappeared under the waterline at around 4.30pm.

Water rescue teams, firefighters and police officers launched a desperate rescue mission to find the 12-year-old.

Tragically, his body was found on the evening of August 16, and he was pronounced dead at 10.55pm.

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr 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.

A police car at Richmond Falls the day after a 12-year-old boy drowned (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“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 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.”

Pictured left to right at Richmond Falls are North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, Royal Air Force Air Cadets from the 2040 (Richmond) Squadron, Cadet Devynn Goodburn, Cadet Charlie Bridges, Cadet Courtney Appleyard, Flight Sergeant Meg Hall and Cllr Stuart Parsons, the local elected member for the council’s Richmond division (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL)

The threat that water can pose is often underestimated, especially during hot weather over the summer months.

There were at least 19 water-related deaths nationally during the heatwave that arrived towards the end of May this year, including Palwasha Akbar, a 13-year-old girl from Bradford, who tragically drowned in the River Wharfe in Burnsall, North Yorkshire, on May 31.

In the foreground are, pictured left to right, the officer commanding of the 2040 (Richmond) Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Flight Sergeant Helen Bridges, Cadet Devynn Goodburn, Cadet Charlie Bridges and Flight Sergeant Meg Hall walking past one of the warning signs at Richmond Falls. In the background are Cllr Stuart Parsons, left, who is the local elected member for North Yorkshire Council’s Richmond division, and the council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, right (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL)

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 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.

One of the warning signs that have been placed at Richmond Falls to highlight the risks including deep pools, hidden rocks and strong currents at the series of waterfalls (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL)

“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.”

The series of waterfalls is a popular destination for both Richmond’s residents and visitors to the town. They are especially popular during hot weather in the summer months.

Cllr 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.”

The water safety campaign at Richmond Falls comes after work was undertaken by North Yorkshire Council to tackle anti-social behaviour at the beauty spot.

Project Spotlight in Richmond was staged two years ago and saw a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour as council staff linked in with North Yorkshire Police to carry out regular patrols.