At the Safe-Tay poster and beer mat campaign launch are (from left) Helen Rodger (Perth College) Student Jack Shorrock, Ian Campbell (Safer Cities Programme Manager) student Sharon Thomas and Safe-Tay founder Lisa Stuart

Dont' drink and drown, campaign tells revellers

Artical and image from The Courier, Friday, June 27, 2008

A HARD-HITTING bid to stop people dying in Perth's waterways after drinking alcohol was launched yestarday. For the second summer, the Safe-Tay campaign will seek to warn of the dangers of drinking in the vicinity of rivers, not least the Tay.

The Don't Drink and Drown-"Don't mix water and alcohol"-message is aimed at those aged 13 to 29 and was launched in pertnership with Perth College art, design and media students and Perth and Kinross Community Safety Partnership.

 Safe-Tay was set up by Lisa Stuart after her brother, a talented musician, drowned in the Tay in July 2006. She has since campaigned relentlessly for further safety measures around the river and to warn people of its dangers.

 "Cold water causes cramp and hypothermia," she said. "Mixed with alcohol it's a lethal combination, distorting your perception of risk and your own abilities. It is vital to get this message across to young people."

The students designed a beer mat and poster to be placed in licensed premises. The poster's hard-hitting imagery was designed by Jack Shorrock, and the beer mat by Sharon Thomas.

Also this summer, tickets issued by South Inch car park machines will advise, Be Water Wise.

Perth Common Good Fund provided financial assistance