Police Scotland is urging people not to drink and dive in an effort to promote safer drinking with divers who visit sites near Eyemouth and St Abbs in the Scottish Borders.
PC Richard Toward, Community Beat Officer in Eyemouth, Lothian and Scottish Borders Division of Police Scotland, who developed the initiative, said: “Many of those who come to the area are highly experienced and well-equipped for what can be a dangerous sport. One issue, however, is that some divers drink the night before they dive, and this can contribute to increasing the risks to divers.
Along with partners which includes the RNLI and Marine and Coastguard Agency, Police Scotland is promoting a safer diving campaign and is advising visiting divers to drink sensibly when planning to dive the following day. The campaign will run over the summer period to raise awareness of the issue of drinking and scuba diving, and the dangers that this can cause.
Work has already been carried out by the Dedicated Diving Research Centre (DDRC Healthcare) based in Plymouth, which has produced information material relating to drinking and diving, and is being distributed by Police Scotland.
The campaign will target local dive boats, dive centres, accommodation providers bed and breakfast, hotels and caravan parks, pubs and restaurants with a view to them displaying and giving out leaflets to divers who may use their facilities.
PC Toward said: “The waters around Eyemouth attract divers from all down the east coast of Scotland and the north-east of England and our message to them is to drink responsibly and dive safely. The campaign will continue with engagement with divers at local shore diving sites to groups of divers who may visit the area and our overall aim is to reduce the number of times the emergency services and NHS have to respond to divers needing assistance.
“Community officers from the East Community Policing Area will be visiting tourist accommodation, harbours and dive centres to raise awareness to visiting divers.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
Its all well and good police urging people not to drink and drive but what about cops drink driving and getting away with it. Amazing what funny handshakes can make happen..
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