Unsupervised children and water DO NOT mix

PARENTS are being urged by the emergency services to keep children away from floodwater during the half-term holiday.

Firefighters, police officers and other agencies working together to support those affected by the floods are concerned that children might want to get up close to the floodwater during the school break.

With heavy rainfall set to continue throughout the weekend and into next week, there is likely to be standing water in many locations while water levels on the Somerset Levels will remain high.

Officers working as part of the multi-agency operation on the Somerset Levels are concerned by the additional risks posed to children while they are not at school.  

Station Manager Kevin Hardwill, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Unsupervised children and water do not mix. The added interest of the flooding on the Somerset Levels could lead to children exploring in areas which could put them in danger.

“We would ask parents to warn their children of the risks and to keep them away from floodwater.”

Care should also be taken around coastal areas due to damage caused by recent storms and the potential for further high waves along the coast.

The agencies are giving the following advice:

• Keep children and vulnerable people out of floodwater.

• Avoid walking or driving through flood water.

• Don’t walk on sea defences or riverbanks.

• Take care or avoid crossing bridges when water levels are high.

• Take care crossing culverts as they are dangerous when flooded.

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