Life-saving throwlines could help prevent tragedy this Christmas

ADDITIONAL lifesaving boards have been installed along the River Tyne in Newcastle in order to prevent tragedy this Christmas.

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Since the first of the throwlines were installed along the Quayside back in 2023, they have already helped save the lives of two people.

Now, in time for the festive season, Newcastle City Council has installed nine new throwline boards between Ouseburn and St Peter's Basin, bringing the total to 23 boards along the riverside from Redheugh Bridge to St. Peter's Basin.

Representatives from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and Newcastle City Council met at St Peter's Basin last week for a demonstration of the throw line.

It comes as TWFRS and the council are joining forces to support this year’s Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ campaign which runs until Friday.

The campaign urges partygoers to look out for friends and make sure they get home safely; stay away from the water if you've had a drink; avoid walking near the water when heading home and remember: cold water shock kills.