Blog: The subject of river safety in Shrewsbury is a serious one, and I don’t want to appear to be making light of it – but I have a sneaking suspicion that’s what’s going to happen.

Too many people recently have found themselves in difficulties in the river. According to coroner John Ellery there have been nine deaths in just six years, and a total of 94 incidents in that same period.

In some of the tragedies, alcohol has played its part.

I think everyone would agree that something needs to be done, but I can’t help thinking the latest idea is one of those “Eureka!” moments, which actually doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.

The plan is to put ladders in the River Severn so that anyone who falls in can get back out again.

Now, I’m sorry, but when did we start treating the river like a municipal swimming baths?

Presumably the next plan will be building a dam so there is a “shallow end” and signs along the tow-path reading “No Running, No Bombing, No Heavy Petting”.

While ladders might help some who fall in, surely they will be no use to the majority.

In those cases where alcohol is a factor, the chances are those who have fallen in are not going to be in a position to then swim to the nearest ladder to haul themselves out.

And how many of these ladders are there going to be? Because unless they’re every 50 metres or so then that’s heck of a long way to swim.

And a river isn’t a swimming pool. Often the Severn is fast-flowing. It is certainly full of debris. And it usually freezing cold. It is these combined factors which often lead to people drowning. Getting to a ladder is not an option if the person is being swept along or is caught in weeds and rubbish on the river bed.

To be fair, the ladder idea is only one of a range of options. New lifebouys have been put along the river, and a taskforce is looking at any “hotspots” where there are particular concerns, as well as “hot premises” which may need targetting.

And should this not be the priority? Maybe job one should be preventing access to the river from the town centre at night.

Yes, I know it is one of our town’s greatest assets (and I use it myself as a shortcut at night) and everyone loves the idea of a moonlight stroll along the river, but until a better solution can be found why not just lock all the gates (and add some where they don’t already exist) so that getting to the river is no longer an option?

I know my swimming pool comments may appear flippant, but they really aren’t. I am simply convinced there are better ways to tackle a problem which clearly needs addressing.

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