by Sam Hawcroft
Three young “Water Wardens” are preparing for a major family fun day this weekend as they continue a summer-long campaign to improve safety around open water.
Rosie, Summer and Lexi are taking part in the Humberside Police Lifestyle Challenge, using their project to raise awareness of the dangers of open water and funds for lifesaving throw-line stations.
Their biggest event yet will take place at Kelsey Lakes and Gardens, Burstwick, on Saturday, August 29, from 10am-4pm, combining family activities with practical advice and demonstrations on what to do if someone gets into difficulty in the water.
The fun day will include discounted kayaking, a barbecue, clay bead bracelet making and water games with prizes, while firefighters, first aiders, the RNLI and open-water safety experts are due to provide displays and advice.
Money raised will go towards the Water Wardens’ ambition to install throw-line stations around areas of open water. The stations would provide rescue ropes and safety information that could be used in an emergency without someone having to enter the water themselves.
The girls hope to work with Humberside Police to identify potential locations, with areas including Beverley Beck already being discussed, as well as Kelsey Lakes itself.
A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched to support the project and the team’s ambitions do not stop at East Yorkshire, with the girls hoping eventually to help provide equipment further afield.
Sheila Logan, Rosie’s mum, said the three had thrown themselves into the Lifestyle project.
She said: “They’ve loved going around, speaking to people and finding out how much water safety people actually know.
“They’ve really enjoyed raising the money to try to get these lifesaving stations put up.”
The campaign has particular resonance after a number of water-related tragedies around the coast locally and elsewhere this summer, reinforcing the importance of knowing how to respond safely when somebody gets into difficulty.
Sheila said raising awareness could make a real difference, adding: “Once you raise awareness and save lives, it’s heartbreaking, not just for the family, but for the nation.”
The Water Wardens have already been busy putting their message across at events around the area.
At Blue Light Weekend in Withernsea earlier this month, they toured the event with donation buckets and challenged visitors to a water-safety quiz – and were encouraged to find many people scoring five out of five.
They also watched firefighters carrying out water-rescue training and were given the chance to practise throwing a rescue rope to a firefighter in the water, while asking questions about how such incidents are dealt with.
Their Lifestyle activities have extended beyond water safety, too. During the past week they visited residents at Ryehill Lodge, taking along dolls and books and spending time reading, drawing and chatting with them.
Sheila said the residents enjoyed having the youngsters there and the visit had provided a welcome change to their day.
However, the focus now is firmly on Saturday’s event and attracting as many people as possible to Kelsey Lakes – both to enjoy the activities and pick up potentially lifesaving knowledge.
Volunteers are also being sought to help during the day.
Sheila said the aim was not just to raise money but also to make people think about water safety and ultimately prevent further loss of life.
To donate to the Water Wardens, visit gofundme.com/f/water-safety-equipment-j7faa