A record-breaking adventurer from North Yorkshire is lending her support to a new campaign aimed at preventing more water-related tragedies this summer.
Jasmine Harrison, from Thirsk, is fronting the initiative to raise awareness of the hidden dangers of rivers, lakes and other open water, particularly among young people.
The 27-year-old, who became the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean at the age of 21, has since become the first woman to swim the full length of the British Isles, completed a solo circumnavigation of the globe and, most recently, swam the English Channel.
Despite her experience, Miss Harrison said open water should never be underestimated.
“This campaign is so important to highlight the risks of open water, particularly rivers, as people simply aren’t aware of the hidden dangers,” she said.
“These might be submerged rocks, strong currents you can’t see on the surface, deep pools or sudden changes in the water depth under your feet. In a second, you can go from hip-high in the water to not being able to touch the floor and getting into trouble.
“Even as an extremely experienced swimmer, I take a lot of precautions before I enter any water. I always have a tow float, take time to understand the risk of each setting before going into the water and I am well-prepared with a plan and support.
“If I can help to prevent more tragedies by sharing these simple hidden danger messages, it will be up there with my proudest achievements.”
The campaign, backed by North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, follows the installation of new warning signs at Richmond Falls after a series of serious incidents, including the death of a 12-year-old boy there last August.
Council leader Cllr Carl Les said the county’s rivers, lakes and coastline were among its greatest attractions, but people needed to understand the risks beneath the surface.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Garry Mackay, said seemingly calm rivers and lakes could conceal strong currents, hidden obstacles, sudden drops and the dangers of cold-water shock.
The campaign promotes the “Float to Live” advice for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water, while encouraging bystanders to remember “Call, Tell, Throw” – call 999, tell the casualty to float and throw them something that will help them stay afloat, rather than entering the water themselves.
Since the start of 2022, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has attended more than 200 rescues in the county’s lakes and rivers, while there have been 19 accidental drownings across North Yorkshire during the same period.
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