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COASTGUARDS WARN PEOPLE TO STAY SAFE AND KEEP COOL THIS SUMMER AFTER HEAT WAVE PREDICTED
COASTGUARDS
are warning that if this year's predicted summer heatwave happens it could result in a record number of people getting into difficulty around the coast. The Met Office forecasts, which indicate above-average temperatures this July and August, could mean a repeat of 2003, when temperatures soared to a record of 38.1C (100.6F), and flocks of Britons headed to the coast.
As the summer season starts, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is launching its Sea Smart campaign, which promotes sea and beach safety to parents and young children, and is urging those visiting the coast to take extra care and follow safety advice. In 2003, 30,807 people were rescued and assisted by Coastguards, an increase of over 19% on the previous year. Last year 26,876 people were rescued and assisted.
Chief Coastguard, John Astbury says:- "Hot weather inevitably means more people visiting the beach, which in turn results in more incidents. We're particularly concerned about the number of parents and young children who get into trouble whilst swimming in the sea, which is one of the biggest causes of incidents that end in tragedy. If you see someone in difficulty in the sea dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself. You would not only be putting the life of the person you are trying to rescue in danger but also you own."
Drowning is the 3rd most common cause of accidental death amongst young people in the UK. It is vital that children and parents look out for warning signs and flags on the beach. Red flags are used as a warning that the water is unsafe, and red and yellow flags indicate the areas where it is safe to swim. When swimming following these 3 Sea Smart tips:-
1. Always swim close to the beach in line with the shore rather than out to sea.
2. Check the beach when you arrive and beware of rocks and breakwaters.
3. Avoid rip tides and strong under surface currents which can carry you out to sea, calmer waters between areas of surf usually means dangerous rip currents.
To prevent a family day out turning into a tragedy, the MCA Sea Smart campaign advises parents to follow this simple four-point Sea Smart code when at the beach:-
Spot the dangers
Always go with a friend
Find and read the safety signs
Emergency? Stick your hand up and shout, tell a lifeguard or dial 999 and ask for Coastguard.
Adult Accident & Emergency at Ormskirk to close from 25 July
AS previously announced as part of the implementation of the Shield's Report, it is our intention to relocate acute inpatient General Medical Services and to relocate Adult Accident & Emergency at Ormskirk & District General Hospital to Southport & Formby District General Hospital. In addition a Minor Injuries Unit will be created at Ormskirk & District General Hospital.
After discussion with our health partners in West Lancashire and Southport & Formby PCTs the date for the transfer has now been agreed as Monday 25 July.
Over the next few weeks the Trust will be publishing more details of the precise location of services and further details of what to do in emergency situations.
The Children's Accident & Emergency at Ormskirk & District General Hospital is not affected and remains open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Small business bosses shun new software releases
OWNERS and managers dislike having to learn new software and are fed up with the inconvenience associated with keeping up-to-date with new releases, finds a new survey of 525 small business bosses by KTS PLC, AIM-listed publisher of internet-delivered software. If the runners of small businesses had a choice, nearly a third of those sampled say they'd prefer to stick with older versions of software they have already mastered, and 69% dream of the day when they'll never have to learn a major new software release again.
30% confessed to 'kicking the computer in frustration' when trying to learn a new package, while a further 19% said they simply gave up. Just 4% of owner managers believe their colleagues will be better than themselves at mastering the software. No matter what software businesses are using, KTS says of the bosses it spoke to, 38% are filled with dread at the prospect of having to learn new software, even if new releases are supposed to make business life easier.
Of the bosses who stick to older versions of software, 61% said they weren't interested in the extra functions new products offer, while 21% don't want to spend time learning an unfamiliar package. 20% of owner managers questioned by KTS said that getting to know new software was a distraction from running the business. Because of this, 54% said they'd only bother to learn as
"much as they need" of a new software release.
25% of respondents reluctantly take upgrades but only because they are already familiar with the package and do so to keep up with clients or customers. In fact, 23% of owner managers claim they reminisce about how earlier versions of software were easier to use.
Dr Marc Pinter-Krainer, Chief Executive of KTS PLC, said:- "We're not surprised that so many owner managers look on with horror when faced with learning new software. In our view, too many software issuers put in too little thought about how new releases are going to be received. What might seem like fun new functionality all too often adds to the confusion and stops a familiar user from navigating the product as efficiently. We believe that the best software should be simple to use and can be mastered quickly by trial and error. We were staggered to learn that just 16% of owner managers we spoke to said they instinctively respond to unknown software by playing around until they pick it up, this number should certainly be higher."
How SMEs can be more efficient using IT
40% of owner managers worry that their business is less efficient if employees use only a fraction of software functionality. So, make sure that employees are fully able to understand and use software programs by sending them on training courses.
Create an atmosphere in which employees know they can approach you with their IT weaknesses and request training. Let them know they won't be penalised for admitting to these weaknesses, but helped to overcome them.
Ensure that your employees speak to each other when they have problems with IT; often someone else in-house has a solution. Moreover, employees should be encouraged to share new IT skills which they learn, or any shortcuts which they regularly use.
Consult employees before introducing new software to the workplace. There's little point providing an expensive new program if staff don't have the time or the willingness to learn it. They'll be much keener to learn if they feel they've had a hand in the implementation process.
Owner managers should lead by example, by taking training courses when possible and trying to maintain an ability in using the same software as employees. KTS's survey found that although 35% of bosses would like their staff to use the most up-to-date programs, they personally prefer only to use the software they're most familiar with.
Where possible, consider investing in software packages which can be accessed over the internet from a 3rd party, who will implement upgrades or fix any problems. 95% of owner managers said the idea of a 3rd party doing all the hard work is 'appealing'.
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