Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue remind people to stay safe in open water
It follows a number of tragic drownings in the county
Last updated 25th Jul 2023
Following a recent spate of drownings across the county, Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service are reminding people to stay safe in open water.
The Fire service along with colleagues from the Police, Midshires Search & Rescue and the Royal Life Saving Society are out today performing rescues to educate people on the dangers of open water.
The service are also appealing for the public to remember the importance of acting as quickly as possible when someone could be drowning.
New water aware posters have also been launched today asking people to call 999 immediately if a serious water incident has occurred, ask for the Fire Service and use the app what3words to give crews your exact location.
Any delay to the Fire Service’s arrival could be the difference between life and death.
Group Commander, Robert Hulatt said,
'when someone is in trouble within the water, every second counts. The fire service is trained and equipped to respond and effect rescue at water related incidents, therefore fast deployment of our water rescue resources is crucial. Calling our partner emergency services will of course lead to the Fire Service deployment, however vital time could be lost. If you see someone in trouble within the water do not attempt to get into the water to rescue them yourself, call 999 ask for the Fire Service and then stay at the location and await our attendance'.
A number of throwline boards can also be found next to bodies of water in public areas. They provide a line that can be thrown to someone in difficulty and indicate that there is a risk of drowning in that location.
This evening (25/7) Bedford Town Bridge and the Baptist Church in Leighton Buzzard will light up to remember those who have sadly lost their lives in waters across Bedfordshire.