It enables a safety message to be shared directly with people gathering near the lock
Richmond Council has amped up its water safety efforts by installing a high-tech messaging speaker at Teddington Lock. The speaker activates when CCTV operators spot film considering jumping into the water.
It enables a safety message to be shared directly with people gathering near the lock, helping to reinforce warnings about cold water shock, strong currents, shallow water and hidden debris. The 17-second message says: “Attention. You are being monitored by CCTV.
“Jumping from these bridges is extremely dangerous. Hidden objects, strong currents and shallow water can cause life-changing injuries or death. Climb down immediately and do not jump. The relevant authorities have been notified.”
Councillor Jim Millard, the Deputy Leader of Richmond Council, said: “On hot days, the river can look really tempting. But jumping into the Thames at Teddington Lock is extremely dangerous and can put your life at risk in seconds.
“This new speaker helps us get clear safety messages to people at the point they need to hear them, and we hope it will make young people stop and think before taking a risk.
“Parents and carers also have a vital role to play. Please speak to young people about the dangers of jumping into the river and remind them that no quick dip is worth risking their life.”
‘Glass and shopping trolleys in the water’
Teddinton Lock is a magnet for people trying to cool off when temperatures soar. In June this year, a warning was shared on Richmond Council’s Facebook page.
It featured words from Matt Allchurchm, of the Teddington RNLI who said ‘cold water shock can affect even the best swimmers.’
It also had a warning from Commander Rob Davies from the LFB said ‘hideen objects, rock, and glass can be just beneath the surface.’ And Brian Thomas of the Environment Agency warned that not only does the water quality vary, with the water often being shallow, but it has also found ‘bikes and even shopping trolleys’ in the water.
In 2023 Brian Sasu, 14, from Feltham, died after jumnping from a structurally similar nearby bridge at Tagg’s Island.
Anyone who sees someone in difficulty in the water should call 999.
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