Water safety reminder after child rescued

We are reminding people of the dangers of entering open water after a child was rescued from a lake in Stoke-on-Trent.

We were called at 6.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 26 May) to Hanley Park, on Cleveland Road, following reports of a child stranded in a lake.

Three appliances attended the scene alongside colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The child was rescued and received medical treatment at the scene by paramedics.

Station Manager Ant Ball attended the scene. He said: “As the warm weather continues, people might be tempted cool off in open water, but there are many hidden dangers such as strong currents and sharp objects.

“It's particularly important for parents to discuss the dangers with their children, particularly teenagers, who may go out with their friends over the half term and not appreciate the risks and consequences of cooling off in open water.”

If you see someone or a pet in trouble in the water, do not try and rescue them yourself, call 999 immediately and where possible use the What3Words app to pinpoint your location. 

If you get into difficulty in the water lie back with your arms and legs extended and float, avoid thrashing.

For more water safety tips, visit Water safety.