Author: Martin Driver

Sefton Council has installed new emergency equipment close to the lake at Southport’s Hesketh Park.

Housed securely next to the lake and accessible using a code that can be obtained by calling 999, the throwline can be used to help someone in trouble without the risk of anyone else entering the water themselves.

Storing it in the lockable cabinet will ensure the potentially life-saving equipment is in place when someone needs it. The throwline is registered with the emergency services, and if someone should get into trouble in the water, an access code can be obtained from 999 operators.

Instructions on the cabinet make it clear how people can access the throwline and how to use it safely.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Safety in our parks and around lakes, ponds and along our seashore is paramount to the Council so I am glad to see this new piece of equipment installed at Hesketh Park lake.

“Sadly, every year we have reports of life rings and throwlines going missing across the Borough, which can mean lives would be at risk should someone find themselves in difficulty in the water.

“As a solution to this, we have installed this secure unit at Hesketh Park, and are keen to roll out more of these secure lifesaving stations across the Borough.

“It is thought that there are only four similar units across the whole of the North West, so I am delighted that in Sefton we are able to look at lasting solutions which will ultimately ensure the safety of everyone enjoying our parks and greenspaces.”

Steve Thomas, Station Manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Chair of the Merseyside Water Safety Forum, said: “It is fantastic to see this potentially lifesaving piece of equipment installed at Hesketh Park. Members of the public should still remain vigilant and be very aware of the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly the effects of cold water shock – even during spells of warm weather.

“We would urge visitors to Hesketh Park and other waterside locations across Merseyside to NEVER tamper with throwlines or other pieces of safety equipment. You might think it’s only a bit of fun, but these items have been installed for a reason. If the equipment has been removed or tampered with, it could be the difference between life and death for someone who has gotten into difficulty in water.”

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, and it is important for Sefton residents, and visitors to the Borough, to be aware of the risks and dangers when around water.

It is vital that people follow these important safety tips when near water:

• Never enter the water to try and help a person or animal – always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available.
• If you are going for a walk or run near water, stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge. Avoid walking or running near water in the dark, if it’s slippery or in bad weather.
• Never interfere with lifesaving equipment such as life rings as you may need it yourself, as might other people who might find themselves in distress.
• Swimming anywhere other than at a purpose-built and supervised swimming pool or water sports centre is highly dangerous and not recommended, unless as part of an organised club.
• There may be hazards under the water such as rocks, debris, broken bottles or even shopping trolleys, which can cause serious injury or may trap you.
• Even competent swimmers may struggle in open water so stick to swimming pools or beaches with a lifeguard and never go swimming alone.

Sefton saw heavy rainfall this week across the Borough which resulted in flooding across parks, highways and properties.

There may still be standing water in areas and residents are advised not to walk or drive through any floodwater. Council officers have now moved to a recovery phase and continue to support residents affected by the severe weather this week.

To help with future flood risk management, incidents of flooding should be reported to the Council. Find out more about this here.

Public Health advice

Public Health advice encourages people to wash their hands regularly if they have been in contact with flood water and not to eat any food that may have touched the water.

When cleaning up after floods, people must ensure that they do not put themselves at any risk and it is vitally important to remember the following:

• Ensure good ventilation if using portable indoor appliances to dry out rooms. The exhaust fumes from such generators can contain carbon monoxide which can kill in a confined space such as a home.
• Never use outdoor generators indoors even in the event of a power cut.
• Also, remember not to turn on gas or electrics until they have been checked by a qualified technician, and check with your local water company if you notice a change in your water.

A flood recovery toolkit is available on the Flood Hub website.

Seek support

Those impacted by flooding may be feeling tired and anxious, and unable to see family or friends at this time due to coronavirus restrictions.

Speak to friends and family for support, as it can take a long time for life to return to normal, and if necessary call NHS 111 or visit your GP for medical advice.

Further health guidance and advice following flooding can be found on the government website.

Sefton Council has worked with its partners over the last 48 hours responding to flooding as a result of heavy rainfall from Storm Christoph.

Yesterday the River Alt burst its banks resulting in standing water in properties in Maghull and Lydiate, with Council teams working alongside members of the emergency services and volunteers to help and support the residents affected.

Later on Wednesday, water levels reached dangerously high levels and a severe flood warning was put in place in the Maghull area by the Environment Agency.

The Council established a temporary rest centre at Meadows Leisure Centre. Ten residents affected by the flood warning were supported at the centre before safely returning to their homes in the early hours of Thursday morning, as the threat level was dropped by the Environment Agency.

Today, the Council’s flood officers have moved into recovery phase and continue to check in on members of the community as well as assessing the affected areas as to the immediate and longer-term impact of the flooding.

Sefton Council’s Leader Cllr Ian Maher, Chief Executive Dwayne Johnson and Andy Martin from the Council’s flood team met with colleagues from the Environment Agency to thank them for their hard work over the past couple of days, and to check on the worst affected areas of Maghull.

Leader of Sefton Council Ian Maher said: “From local councillors and volunteers knocking at doors to inform and mobilise residents, to colleagues attending different scenes in the area to help tackle flooding, it was really impressive to see the speed with which all of the organisations came together over the past 24 hours in a highly critical situation.

“The amount of rainfall we’ve seen across Sefton in the past few days has really been unprecedented, causing issues right across the Borough. Our dedicated staff, alongside many local partners, continue to assess what needs to be done in the immediate aftermath and will be looking to address longer-term concerns in the affected areas.

“Thankfully the weather conditions have calmed, and it will be a relief for our residents to know that there are no longer any severe warnings in place.”

The Council has distributed its sandbag supplies to as many residents as possible, and is urging anyone with flood water in their property to report this to flooding@sefton.gov.uk with any photos they may have.

Reporting incidents will ensure that the Council can understand the extent and location of properties affected by the most recent flooding and allow officers to work with other flood risk management authorities to help reduce the risks and consequences of such incidents.

Some roads remain closed or impassable across the Borough, and people are urged to only go out if it’s absolutely essential. Accidents happen in fast flowing water so avoid walking or driving near floodwater and residents are reminded that there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects or raised manhole covers beneath the water. 

Anyone concerned about flooding can find further advice on flood risk and what to do to protect their property on the Flood Hub website.

Sometimes only a hug will do, but as the whole country continues to face ongoing coronavirus restrictions, sadly it’s not possible to hug those nearest and dearest to us.

Today, on National Hug Day, people across Sefton are being encouraged to look ahead to happier times and think about who they will hug and why. People can join the conversation online on the Council’s social media channels- Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

To mark the day, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones, has also recorded a reading of Eoin McLaughlin’ bestselling children’s book ‘While We Can’t Hug’. Featuring best of friends, Hedgehog and Tortoise, the book explains how there are many ways to show affection for loved ones in a socially distanced way, for children and adults alike. 

Sefton Council staff have been reflecting on who they will hug, just as soon as they are able to again.

“I cannot wait to be able to hug the people I love the most! I’ve missed my hugs so much!! And that is one of the hardest things about the pandemic! At the moment, I get to hug my dog, even though he hates it!”

“I’d hug my 85-year-old nan, who I haven’t seen since September! I can’t wait for all of us to finally get the vaccine, meaning soon enough we can all give each other a big squeeze again.”

“I LOVE a hug, it always makes me feel better. I would hug my mum and dad, I will hug them so tight and probably cry whilst I am holding them. I hope this happens very soon.”

“Not being able to see your family when you want to is so difficult. I can’t wait for the moment when all generations (from age 88 to only 4 months) can reunite for one great big family hug!”

“I’d love to give my friends a great big hug right now. So many of them have lost family members, have been shielding or have really struggled this past year. And whilst a video call is lovely, nothing can replace a hug!”

“I would hug my grandchildren one by one and then hug them all again!”

“I’d hug my 88-year-old mum, my sister and my niece, who all live over 200 miles away in Essex and who I haven’t seen for nearly a year.”

“I would hug my lovely colleagues who’ve become close friends and who I haven’t seen since we started working from home. I miss our laughs, daily catch ups and chats over lunch.”