Bristol BID campaign urges caution around the Harbourside this summer

Bristol BID campaign urges caution around the Harbourside this summer

Posted on: 19 Apr 2022

Eye-catching posters and signs have been installed across the popular city centre area.

 

Bristol City Centre BID are revisiting their water safety campaign, organised to highlight the different risks that the Harbourside waters can pose, from low temperatures to submerged objects, poor water quality and lack of exit points. 

 

The Harbourside is one of the city's most popular gathering points during the summer months, offering the perfect spot for friends to get together and enjoy a drink overlooking the river.

 

But, with people drinking around the area, and amid high temperatures, locals are being reminded not to enter the water under any circumstances.

 

 

Set up in late 2021 in collaboration with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Bristol City Council and Avon & Somerset Police, Bristol Water Safety Partnership comes following a string of high-profile incidents and deaths involving people getting into difficulty in the water.

 

A series of multi-coloured signs has been installed around the harbour to raise awareness of the significant dangers to swimmers, day and night.

 

Signage includes a warning not to 'Drink and Dive', a nod to 'A Very Dirty Cocktail' of toxins and harmful bacteria lurking in the water, and a suggestion that 'Getting in is the Easy Part', pointing to potential difficulty locating or being able to reach an exit point.

'Getting in is the Easy Part' - one of several signs installed as part of a new water safety campaign. Photo: Plaster'Getting in is the Easy Part' - one of several signs installed as part of a new water safety campaign. Photo: Plaster

 

Speaking on the campaign's launch last year, Bristol City Centre BID's Chief of Operations, Keith Rundle, explained:

 

“Bristol’s harbour is fantastically popular and a magnet for Bristolians and tourists alike. Its draw as a leisure destination means there is an increased risk of incidents in the water at night.

 

“We all want people to be safe and this campaign is all about educating people about the hidden risks posed by swimming in the harbour, and to remind people everyone of the need to take care in the dark and especially during or after a night out.”

 

For more information on the Bristol Water Safety Partnership, or to follow news and updates on the campaign, head to the Bristol BID website or find the team on Twitter.

 

Main Image: Plaster


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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.