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Issue:- Saturday, 25 July 2015

Drowning Prevention Charity issues pool safety advice as funeral of drowning victim takes place

THE UK's Drowning Prevention Charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), has issued vital safety advice following the funeral of Martin Winfield, who lost his life with his partner Alan Green in their swimming pool.

Martin Winfield, aged 59, and Alan Green, aged 75, drowned in their swimming pool at their Worcestershire home on 3 July 2015. Martin's funeral took place on Friday, at which friends and family were asked to make donations to RLSS UK instead of taking flowers.

And, as the tragedy highlights the possible dangers of residential swimming pools, the charity, which is also the leader in lifeguard training in the UK, with more than 95% of lifeguards holding an RLSS UK qualification, has warned of the dangers but also how to enjoy pools as safely as possible.

RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Steer, said:- "The deaths of Mr Winfield and Mr Green are an utter tragedy and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Our deepest thanks also go to the family who have so very kindly asked for donations to help us with our vital drowning prevention work. We encourage people to enjoy the water, but as safely as possible and would urge anyone who has a swimming pool in their garden to take note of our simple advice, advice that could save lives and prevent another tragedy such as this happening to anyone else."

RLSS UK's water safety guidance for residential pools:-

► Children and weak swimmers should be closely supervised by an adult at all times and weak swimmers should stay within the pool's recommended safety depths.

► Never swim alone.

► Take time to check the depth, water flow and layout of pools.

► Control access to the pool by using suitable fencing, secure doors / gates and pool and/or gate alarms to monitor access to swimming pools where possible.

► Never enter the water after drinking alcohol.

► Have easy access to suitable rescue aids such as a torpedo buoy, rope or reach pole (all available from LifeSaversDirect.Org.UK)

► Know what to do in an emergency; learn First Aid and CPR.

► Always advise guests to your pool of key safety advice.

► Always follow manufacturers advice of the pool for maintenance and safety checks.

Clare, Steve and Paul Winfield, Martin's children, have set up a JustGiving page which reads:- "we wanted to support this fantastic charity to help prevent accidents happening again." To donate, visit:- JustGiving.Com. For more water safety advice or information on the RLSS UK and it's drowning prevention work or lifesaving programmes visit:- RLSS.Org.UK.

Police appeal after bikes stolen from Hall Road Station, Blundellsands

THE British Transport Police want to speak to him about the theft of 2 bikes from Hall Road Station, Blundellsands on Thursday, 16 July, shortly before 2.30pm. Investigating officer PC Jane McGee said:- "2 bikes, 1 was a bronze coloured Scott mountain bike, the other was a black Cube hybrid bike, had been left in the bike shed on the Liverpool bound platform at the station. A man entered the bike shed from wasteland next to the station and took the 2 bikes. We believe the man in the CCTV image could have vital information about the thefts and urge him or anyone who recognises him to come forward to assist us with our enquiries." Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on:- 0800 40 50 40, or text:- 61016, quoting reference:- 'PSUB/B3 of 24/07/2015'.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal after bike stolen from Wigan Wallgate Station

THE British Transport Police officers want to speak to them after a maroon Trek mountain bike worth Ł260 was taken from Wigan Wallgate Station on Saturday, 6 June 2015, at around 5.30pm. Investigating officer PC Daniel Armstrong said:- "2 men got off a train from Southport at Wigan, 1 on foot and the other with a BMX bike. The 1st man approached the victim's bike and snapped the locks used to secure it. He walked away with the bike before handing it to the other man in exchange for the BMX. The pair left the station separately, both heading towards Wigan North Western station. The owner returned to collect her bike at around 8.15pm to find that it had been taken."

Officers believe the men in the images could have vital information about the theft and urge them or anyone who recognises them to get in touch immediately. Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on:- 0800 40 50 40, or text:- 61016, quoting reference:- 'PSUB/B14 of 01/07/2015'.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

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Deceased estates notice - Lilian May Jackam

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of Lilian May Jackam (also known as Lillian May) Jackam (Deceased), late of Birch Abbey Rest Home, 55 Alexandra Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9HD, UK, who died on 04/10/2018, are required to send particulars thereof in writing, to the undersigned Solicitors, on or before 24/05/2019, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests of which they have had notice. Churches Solicitors, 12 High Street, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7BL, UK. Ref:- 'T553015.'

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