'Look after your mates': Search and Rescue warning over alcohol and water dangers
Search team shares advice as summer nights out increase
People enjoying nights out during the summer holidays are being urged to stay with friends and avoid risks near waterways after a warning from Northamptonshire Search and Rescue (NSAR).
The volunteer search charity says alcohol remains a significant factor in accidental drownings, particularly among young men.
Neil Balderson, an incident commander with NSAR, said a simple buddy system could help prevent tragedies.
"We always say, look after your mates. Go out, have a night out, but stay together and make sure you stay safe."
Balderson warned people to take extra care when walking near canals, rivers and other open water after drinking.
"If you're going to walk down the side of a canal towpath, don't walk near the edge. Don't have a laugh. Stay away from it," he said.
"Alcohol and accidental drownings in young people is a huge, huge factor''
"Because again, it will be an accidental drowning rather than a deliberate one. Alcohol and nights out and water are not a good combination."
Balderson highlighted a statistic often referenced by search and rescue teams, saying a young man under 25 reported missing in a town centre after drinking alcohol is highly likely to be found in or near water.
Research by the University of Portsmouth underlines those concerns.
A study into fatal disappearances involving men found that in 89% of cases, bodies were recovered from water, including rivers, canals, lakes and the sea, with most deaths believed to have been accidental.
In the remaining 11% of cases, bodies were found on land, with causes of death including falls, hypothermia and drug overdoses.
The charity's advice comes as more people head out to bars, pubs and outdoor events during the school summer holidays and warmer weather.
NSAR, which was formed in 2011, supports Northamptonshire Police and other emergency services in searching for missing people across the county.
The organisation has grown into a team of 52 trained volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
During 2025, NSAR responded to 41 callouts, with volunteers contributing a total of 1,787 hours.