As the weather begins to improve, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is once again joining fire services from across the UK to ask people to stay safe in and around water.
The call comes as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign which runs from 22 – 28 April 2024. The campaign is warning people of the risk of accidentally drowning.
Commenting on this year’s Be Water Aware campaign, Gail Muirhead, Prevention Manager, said: “We have already responded to several incidents this year where a person has accidentally fallen into the water. Heavy rainfall over the last few months has raised water levels, weakened riverbanks, and hastened the flow of water through our rivers. Combined, these factors can pose serious danger to people spending time in and around our waterways.
“If you are walking near water, make sure you stay away from the edges where possible and take care to avoid any slip or trip hazards near riverbanks. If you’ve been out drinking beforehand, stay away from the water. Remember to ‘be a mate’ and check on your friends as well.
“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.”
The latest statistics from 2022 reveal around 40 percent of people who accidentally drowned had no intention of entering the water. Slips, trips and falls were often the cause of these accidents.
Gaul Muirhead, Prevention Manager“If you are walking near water, make sure you stay away from the edges where possible and take care to avoid any slip or trip hazards near riverbanks. If you’ve been out drinking beforehand, stay away from the water. Remember to ‘be a mate’ and check on your friends as well.
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember ‘Call, Tell and Throw’:
- Call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
- Tell the person to float on their back.
- Throw something to them to help them float.
For more information on water safety, visit the RBFRS website.