A CAMPAIGN to warn people of the dangers of inland water has been stepped up after two tragic drownings in Blackburn this year.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is acting following the deaths of a toddler found in the canal behind the Moorings pub in Bolton Road in April and of a seven year old child, also found in the canal, near Harwood Street.

The campaign has been given added momentum now that warm weather is here and youngsters may be more tempted to dive in to water.

In 1998 more than 500 people drowned in Britain, of which more than half were in rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs, a large number being children.

The council's neighbourhood services department are to include guidelines to relatives of young children in a bid in a housing leaflet. It is hoped the guidelines will make it clear that youngsters can and have drowned with adults only a few yards away. They say:

Never assume, because a child can swim, it will be safe near deep water.

Explain about water danger to older children, especially if you live near water.

Have a walk around your neighbourhood and check for watery places where your children might go to play.

Teach children how to ask for help in an emergency and how to dial 999 and quickly ask for help.

Supervise children when they use the paddling pools and empty the pool at the end of the day.

Keep younger children in your own garden or yard where you can supervise them. Lock or tie up the gate and block gaps in fences and hedges.

British Waterways, North West Water and Lancashire Police are also stepping up their campaigns to warn about the dangers of inland waters after the drowning tragedies in Blackburn. Members of the council's public protection committee will discuss the report at a town hall meeting on Thursday.

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