Temporary staircases are to be installed in Amsterdam’s canals to try to reduce the number of people who drown after falling in.

The canals are currently being refurbished and fitted with hand rails to improve safety, but the city council wants to install steps in the meantime rather than wait. On average 18 people a year drown in the city’s canals, often while under the influence of alcohol.

The mental health service GGZ also wants to launch a suicide awareness campaign to address the number of people who deliberately drown themselves.