Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service backs water safety campaign to counter accidental drowning

Firefighters have been showing people how to stay safe in and around water.

Crews from Newbury held an information event in Victoria Park during the Easter break to try to ensure everyone can enjoy the summer months safely.

They were also on hand to show people how to use the new water safety throwline cabinets, which are positioned along the canal by the Waterside Centre and Victoria Park.

The public were encouraged to get involved with ‘have a go throw’ and firefighters were also giving out water safety information.

Last year, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) responded to 36 water rescue incidents – an increase of 50 per cent since 2020.

RBFRS is now joining other fire services across the UK in urging people to stay safe when in and around water.

The call comes as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign, warning people of the risks of accidental drowning. The campaign is running throughout this week, up until April 30.

“Many people underestimate the risk of jumping into water where unseen hazards and cold water can endanger even the strongest swimmers,” explained safety education coordinator for RBFRS, Neil Whiteman.

“Even on a warm day, the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing cold water shock, a physical reaction which can make it difficult to control breathing, cause panic and make it difficult to swim. Drowning is preventable and even one drowning is one too many.

“If you find yourself in trouble try not to panic and remember ‘Float To Live’. Lean back in the water and spread your arms and legs to stay afloat and control your breathing.

“It can take up to 90 seconds for the effects of cold water shock to pass. When you have done so, call out for help or try and swim to safety.

“It’s important people call for help rather than entering the water to attempt a rescue as this can often result in emergency services needing to find and rescue more people from the water.”

When the cold water shock has passed, swim to safety and call 999 for help.”

NFCC lead for drowning prevention, Dawn Whittaker, added: “Most people would be shocked to hear the number of lives lost simply because people were spending time in and around water. These deaths are preventable, so we ask everyone to be water aware.

“NFCC works closely with fire services and partners to encourage people to be safe around water and to highlight the risk of accidental drowning. By raising awareness now, we hope to keep people safe and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in water as summer approaches.”

Please visit https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/out-and-about/water-safety/ for more.

There have been 148 water rescue incidents recorded in Berkshire over the last five years.

There were 277 deaths from accidental drowning reported across the UK in 2021, with slips and falls being the main cause of people entering the water. information on water safety.