River safety campaigner urges people to stay safe over bank holiday and avoid further tragedy
Bank holiday revellers are being urged to plan their journeys home and take care of their mates to avoid another river tragedy in the county.
With good weather promised for the last bank holiday weekend of the year, water safety campaigner Kirsty Walsh has appealed to both those out on the town at night and anyone enjoying the sunshine in the day to respect the water.
Kirsty's husband, Shane, 29, died after falling in the River Severn after a night out in Shrewsbury in September 2017.
As the fifth anniversary of his death looms, Kirsty is appealing to people to think safety first.
"We have some lovely open water around Shropshire. It looks beautiful and still but you can't see currents or the weed or obstacles that may be under the water, particularly with water levels so low," she said.
"People have been walking across the weir in Shrewsbury in recent weeks, it worries me so much.
"I knew nothing about water safety before Shane's death, I had to learn the hard way.
"The shock waves that reverberate after such a death are devastating and affect not only the direct family but the wider family, friends and work colleagues."
She said the West Mercia Home and Dry campaign that she is a major part of was asking people to plan their nights out.
"Book your taxi home before you go out. If people are walking home at the end of the night, whether or not they have had a drink they should avoid going near the river or other water.
"You can slip into water as easily as slipping off the kerb. You might be tired, it's dark and once you go into that water cold water shock will take over."
Kirsty explained that as you gasp for air when you hit the water, panic and adrenaline sets in.
"The blood rushes to your major organs and so there is less supply in your limbs to enable you to swim.
"Lean back, stretch out your arms and legs, then catch your breath before calling for help."
She said on a night out it was important to "be a mate" and ensure you know where your friends were.
"It is really important to stay together.
"I hope everybody goes out and has a very enjoyable weekend whether during the day or the evening. But I hope too that everyone stays safe."
Kirsty also wants to see more schools and youth bodies to make use of the Home and Dry educational packs that are available.
