[UPDATE] As well as safety tape being wrapped around the moorings to protect pedestrians from falling into the Walsall Canal Basin, Council leader Mike Bird has said that he is also looking into further safety measures.
Two children were taken to hospital this week alongside two adults after finding themselves in deep water at the Walsall Canal Basin off Gallery Square.
Picture credit: Birmingham Canal Navigations Society
The notorious body of water has claimed numerous victims over the years, with reports of 21 people in the last couple of weeks falling in.
On Tuesday afternoon at approximately 1.30pm, a man fell into the water from the side of the basin by Peri Fino. A few minutes later, a little girl fell in. A boy then jumped in to help and three adults followed to help with the rescue.
An ambulance and paramedic were called to the scene and four people were taken to hospital for further treatment.
A spokesman for the Canal and River Trust said: “We’re sorry to hear that a group of people have fallen into the Walsall Basin – this must have been an awful experience for everyone involved and we hope they all make a quick recovery from their ordeal.
“To improve safety, and to remind people to stay away from the edge, a safety buoy has been installed in the middle of the basin warning local people that the water is deep and to take care when walking next to the basin.
“We are aware that there is a section of the basin covered in weed making it look like thick grass, hiding the water underneath. Although a lot of the weed has already been removed, dealing with the weed is an ongoing issue as it grows quickly and is difficult to control. A team from Canal and River Trust along with local volunteers will be out in the basin removing more of the weed in the next few days.”
In January this year, a 1.8m buoy was placed in the basin to help prevent people falling into the basin, but it appears to have had little effect.
It’s believed that the green bed of algae on top of the water gives the impression that the area is covered in astroturf, resulting in people assuming it’s okay to step on it.
Source: Express & Star