MAYOR ANNOUNCES SIX NEW POLICE OFFICERS FOR SALFORD QUAYS TO HELP PREVENT ANOTHER TRAGIC DEATH

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett has revealed that Greater Manchester Police have agreed to fund an additional six new police officers for the Quays ward, after teenager Kalen Waugh lost his life whilst swimming with friends at Ontario Basin on Saturday (16th July).

Mr Dennett announced that he had called for a third party safety review to explore suggestions and ideas to improve safety in the area.

Addressing this mornings council meeting, the City Mayor said:

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"Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have agreed to fund six new posts for Salford Quays in recognition that the area requires more resource.

“Not only will this additional resource benefit The Quays and the City of Salford more generally but it will also ensure that policing resources are retained in adjacent wards of Pendleton & Charlestown, Blackfriars & Trinity, and Broughton.

“Unfortunately, we cannot prevent all instances of jumping into the water and jumping from bridges in the area and ultimately the tragic loss of this young man’s life has been the consequence in this instance.

“Moving forward we await the outcome of the inquest and coroner’s report into this tragic incident but I’d also like to inform the City Council today that I have requested officers to commission a third party review, to explore all ideas and suggestions for improving safety at Salford Quays, reviewing what we currently have in place, whilst also considering what potential improvements could be made.

“However, my advice is clear, outside of organised and supervised activities in open water please, please, please don’t swim or jump into open water in The Quays. Our rivers, canals, reservoirs and lakes across Salford and Greater Manchester the dangers of doing so are far too great."

 

Mayor Dennett went on to pay tribute to Kalen who died aged 16-years-old:

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“Tragically, many of you will be aware of the young man, Kalen Waugh, who tragically lost his life in Salford Quays after diving into the water.

“I am sure that across this Council Chamber we each extend our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayer to Kalen’s family and friends who must be going through a truly terrible ordeal.

“However, this tragic event reinforces our commitment to limit the numbers of those swimming unsupervised in the Quays, which also follows a substantial amount of resource this City Council, along with partners, have committed to discouraging such behaviour.”

 

The Mayor also revealed that 34 people under the age of 18 were given warning letters and received home visits from police officers since the tragic accident on Saturday.

Additionally, four adults have been handed fixed penalty notices.