FIRE chiefs have launched a series of river safety training exercises for staff at pubs and bars alongside the Ouse in York city centre.

Venues have agreed to store equipment such as life rings on the premises which can be swiftly used if someone falls or jumps in the water, with employees trained on how to use it.

The first exercise took place today at Revolution off Coney Street, where bartender Richard Horrocks, 21, had just finished his last shift in July when he leapt from a nearby balcony into the river and drowned.

Richard was one of three people to have died in the river so far this year. His death prompted The Press to launch its Think, Don’t Swim campaign, backed by his family, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of entering the rivers.

Ian Hill, group manager for York and Selby at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said about a dozen members of staff at Revolution were involved in today's session, which involved the service’s rescue boat and station manager Andy Bell.

The lesson began with a power point presentation about the dangers of jumping or falling into a cold river, which included the risks of acquiring an infection, and moved on to a practical demonstration of how to throw out life rings and buoyancy aids to someone in distress in the water below.

Revolution manager Laura Morris said the session was ‘brilliant.’ She said some of the staff taking part had been on duty the night Richard had died, and so the fire officers’ message was ‘close to their heart.’

Mr Hill said similar sessions would be held at the Pitcher and Piano and CityScreen, both of which also have balconies above the river, and slightly different training lessons would also be conducted at the Kings Arms, Lowther and Plonkers, all of which are close to the Ouse at bank level.