Staying Safe

It may look fun to swim in open waters such as lakes, rivers or canals, but there are lots of dangers associated with them, which are often hidden.

Even on hot days, water stays cold and can cause cold water shock- which is a key reason why people drown, and there may also be debris in the bottom of the water that can get caught around your legs. The water is often very unclean which can cause people to get infections or diseases.

Check out the Water Safety videos and links below:

Tips for all riders 

• Always wear a helmet
• Follow traffic rules – Check the Highway Code
• Check brakes, tyres and lights are in good condition
• Be visible – especially at night, use lights and reflective clothing

Moped Safety

• Be visible and dress appropriately – wear reflective and protective clothing such as helmet, high vis, bike boots, trousers etc.
• Minimum age is 16
• You must have a provisional driving license and completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
• Don’t carry passengers unless your moped is designed for it

E-Scooter Safety

• It is illegal to ride a privately owned electric scooter (also known as an ‘e-scooter’) in public, for example on pavements, on roads or in parks. You could be fined and get penalty points on your driving licence.
• You can only rent an electric scooter through official electric scooter rental schemes

Bicycle Safety 

• At night, bicycles must have a white light at the front, and a red light at the rear
• Use designated cycle lanes when available
  
•  Ride to the conditions of the road and following the Highway Code

📎 Check out more information here:

Cycle Safety – THINK!

Road Safety | West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Riding an electric scooter: the rules – GOV.UK

Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle: Overview – GOV.UK

Going out with friends or to events is an important part of having a social life. However, it is important to plan ahead to make sure that you are keeping yourself safe. We’ve put together some top tips to help you stay safe whilst you’re out and about.

Top Tips
If you’re travelling home when it’s dark, try and stay in a group with your friends, or with at least one friend.
– Make sure your phone has enough charge, it might be a good idea to buy a low-cost battery pack and keep it in your bag if you know that your phone battery doesn’t last very long.
– Plan your journey home before you go out. If you know that you’ll be needing a taxi to get home, make sure you book it in advance or have a few local taxi firm numbers in your phone. Make sure to tell a friend or trusted adult where you’re travelling and when you’re due to arrive home.
– If you need to use a bus/ public transport, make sure you know the times or have a timetable so that you don’t have to stand and wait for long periods of time.
– If you need to walk somewhere to get home, make sure you don’t take shortcuts through unlit/ dark and isolated places, alleyways or empty car parks. Use routes you know that are well lit, with people about.
– Avoid using cash machines alone. Be aware of people loitering and avoid using if people aren’t leaving.
– Be aware of strangers offering to help you or give you a lift. Always trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

In the UK, if you’re under 18, it is against the law:

• For someone to sell you alcohol
• To buy/ try to buy alcohol
• For an adult to buy/ try to buy alcohol for you
• To drink alcohol in places like a pub/ restaurant etc (with a few limited exceptions for 16- and 17-year-olds- find out more about the law on 16 and 17 year olds on the Drinkaware website)

What are the consequences of breaking these laws?
Anyone under 18 years old drinking alcohol illegally could face a criminal record or a fine.

What are the consequences of underage drinking on health?
Alcohol can have negative effects on our health, especially if you are under 18 years old because your organs are still developing. Drinking regularly throughout childhood/ early adulthood can cause permanent liver and brain damage.

Always remember that your body belongs to you.

If someone touches you in a private place, it is important that you tell a trusted adult or contact Childline. You can contact Childline by phone (0800 1111), email, text or via the online message board.

They have a special page which is full of information about contacting Childline, explaining the process.
Click here to view the page.

Remember the PANTS rule
Privates are private
Always remember your body belongs to you
No means no
Talk about secrets that upset you
Speak up, someone can help

What is consent?
Consent is permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.

Consent can be given and withdrawn/ taken back at any point.

Sexual consent refers to anyone taking part in any kind of sexual activity gives their agreement to do so, applying to all genders, sexual orientations and preferences.

Sexual contact without consent is an illegal activity.

In the UK the age of consent is 16.

Click here to visit the Staying Safe Online page on WF-I-Can

For more information and useful links.