THERE have been many calls to action following the tragic deaths of three young people – Megan Roberts, Ben Clarkson and Tyler Pearson – in York’s rivers this year.

We ourselves have joined with Megan’s mother Jackie and Ben’s girlfriend Rachel Peatfield in highlighting the dangers of the Rivers Ouse and Foss.

The River Ouse Safety Advisory Group, which includes police and other emergency services, local authorities and local boat operators, has also issued warnings and held the first of what will be many ‘safety summits’ in York.

Nothing is more likely to have an impact on the behaviour of young people than other young people, however. It is hugely welcome, therefore, to see the University of York students’ union, YUSU, preparing to launch a new river safety initiative.

From September, when the new student intake arrives, the union aims to have volunteers patrolling the city to help students who seem to have had too much to drink, or who are in vulnerable situations.

Some of the Streetsafe volunteers may also carry body-worn cameras to gather evidence – both for protection, and for potential prosecutions.

These are real, concrete measures that will be taken by the very people students listen to most – other students. They are also a sign that warnings about river safety are beginning to hit home in York’s student population, which is in itself a relief.

We hope these new measures and an increasing awareness of the dangers of York’s rivers will help to significantly reduce the risk of further tragedies such as those we have seen this year.