Police step up River Severn safety campaign
Parents whose children have been caught playing in the River Severn will receive a letter from the police.
Officers are stepping up the river safety campaign after groups of youths have been spotted putting their lives at risk in the water.
When emergency services are called to reports of children in the river, the officer is now entitled to take the child’s address and write to their parents.
Kirsty Walsh, ambassador for West Mercia Search and Rescue, said it was a proactive step forward.
According to Mrs Walsh, whose husband Shane died in the River Severn last year, most parents are completely unaware of the risks their children are taking.
“It will be down to the officer who goes down there at the time,” she said.
“But the goal is that all parents are told that their child is putting themselves at risk.
“A lot of people say to leave the kids alone because they’re just having fun but if it was their child, I’m sure they would have very different feelings about it.”
In recent months, the number of youths playing in the river - in particular the weir - has risen.
As part of the education campaign, the search and rescue team has been visiting schools in Shrewsbury to teach children how to be safe around water.
“I didn’t know about any of the risks until Shane passed away. It has given me a respect for the water that I want others to have,” Kirsty said.
"Even though I do get some negative comments, I'm not going to stop what I'm doing. I can go to bed knowing I have potentially helped someone.
She added: "One of the parents actually got in touch with me to apologise. She was mortified and didn't know he was playing in the water.
"He was grounded and was made to stay in and do the online river safety course.
"Children don't want their parents to find out what they have been doing so hopefully a letter home from the police will deter them."
On September 28 there will be a black tie ball in Bridgnorth in aid of West Mercia Search and Rescue.
