Our firefighters regularly perform training exercises, such as the multi-agency scenario that took place on Monday in Havant, to ensure their water rescue skills are ready when needed.
Despite being trained to rescue people from water, our teams would rather they weren’t required to use those skills, and that we all stay safe when near to the waterside.
This is why we are supporting the National Fire Chief’s Council’s Be Water Aware campaign which runs from Monday 28th April until Sunday 4th May, and urges everyone to enjoy time in, on, and around water safely.
Kelly Hedges, Community Development Officer said:
“Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, wherever you go, you are never that far away from a body of water, be it the Solent, the many rivers in our patch, or the many lakes, reservoirs and mudflats.
“It is so important that we continue to warn members of our community about the dangers they can face when around water, particularly when the majority of tragedies occur when people don’t even plan on entering the water.
“As we head towards summer, and more people start to enjoy the outdoors, the Be Water Aware campaign is a great opportunity for us to remind our communities how they can stay safe and what they can do if things go wrong.”
Find out more about the recent water and mud rescue training our teams have taken part in alongside our partners on our website.
- Most accidental drownings in the UK occur in inland waterways like rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, and quarries. Even calm-looking water can have strong currents, cold temperatures, and hidden dangers.
- Cold water shock can affect your ability swim, even in summer the water can be very cold. Enter water slowly to acclimatise rather than jumping in.
- Most people who drown had no intention of entering the water, such as people walking and causes being slips, trips and falls.
- Annually a number of drowning incidents involve alcohol and/or drugs. Choosing to enter the water while under the influence or walking a route next to water after a night out can lead to drowning.
- If you spot someone in danger in the water call 999 for help. Never enter the water to attempt a rescue and ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast.
- Tell them to float on their back and throw them something that floats such as a throwline, but anything that floats can help save a life.
- If you fall into water unexpectedly, fight the instinct to thrash, tilt your head back, spread your arms and legs, and float to regain control of your breathing.
Find out more of our water safety guidance on our website.
Check out the Staywise website for lots of educational water safety resources designed to keep children safe.
