New throw lines installed to improve water safety in Reading

Throw lines and emergency information boards have been placed along Reading’s waterways for anyone to use if they see someone in trouble in the water.

The throw lines are in locked cases on large unmissable signage boards which also has vital information in the event of an emergency in the water.

The information includes a what-three-words location to guide emergency services to the correct spot and an address. Most importantly there is a code which needs to be given to the fire service when 999 has been called to unlock the throw line box.

Once the 999 operator gives the code and the throw line case is unlocked, there are instructions on how to use it to help the person in the water.

Emergency services advise not to get into the water if someone is in trouble as it can put another life in danger and to call 999.

The new safety equipment has been installed by the Council and funded through Community Infrastructure Levies or CIL. New developments are required to make CIL payments to improve local facilities and local councillors successfully applied to this fund for additional water safety equipment along the Thames and the Kennet rivers.

The Council is also a member of Reading’s Water Safety Partnership which is formed of Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Environment Agency and organisations active and involved with activities on the water. The partnership is committed to working together for safe water use and its primary role is to bring awareness to the potential dangers of the waterways and how best to use them safely.

Six of the throw lines are on either side of the River Thames between Caversham Lock and the towpath near Cow Lane. The two others are at County Lock in the town centre and Fobney Lock, off Island Road, both along the River Kennet.

Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are encouraging everyone to have a look at the signs and familiarise themselves with the procedure for using throw lines.

“As with all emergency equipment, we hope they are never needed but if you do see someone in the water and you already know how to use a throw line that could save vital time. The information boards explain how to alert the emergency services and how to access and use the equipment. 

"We are also asking people to please only use the equipment in an emergency, and if you suspect a throw line may be missing or damaged please contact us at the council."

Councillor Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety who sits on the Water Safety Partnership, said: “We are fortunate to have beautiful rivers and brooks running through Reading and all the enjoyment they bring with leisure activities and simple waterside enjoyment.

“But we mustn’t forget, rivers are fast-flowing and even on the hottest of days, our brooks and rivers can be icy cold. 

“The appropriate safety equipment must be worn when boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding and swimming is not recommended in our waterways.

“As the weather gets warmer, rivers may be a tempting place to cool off, but the water at any time of the year can be so cold as to cause cold water shock if entered. This can lead to going quickly under the water and potentially drowning. Jumping into the water may also be tempting, especially jumping from a height, which can cause injuries from debris which can’t be seen under the water.

“It is for these reasons that councillors sought to ensure developer funds through CiL was allocated to ensure the safe use of our waterways reaffirming the work of the Water Safety Partnership.”

There are six signs Thames side. On the south bank they are near Caversham Lock in Kings Meadow, at Reading Bridge, the promenade next to Caversham Bridge and the Thames Path at Cow Lane. On the north side of the Thames they are at Christchurch Meadows play area and at the end of Wolsey Road, Caversham. On the River Kennet, there is one at County Lock near the town centre and at Fobney Lock, off Island Road.

Throw lines have been chosen as they are less likely to injure someone in the water and are easier and replace if vandalised or stolen.

When residents are looking for places to cool off in the water, it is a great idea to remember the two newly built leisure centres at Palmer Park and Rivermead, and the refurbished South Reading and Meadway leisure centres, which have swimming pools with lifeguards. There is more information here better.org.uk.

For younger children the splash pool at Christchurch Meadows play area is now open.

For more water safety information visit Royal Life Saving Society or rlss.org.uk.