Essex Fire and Rescue advise Bank Holiday Partygoers to take care
They are keen for us to plan our route home safely
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is urging everyone in Essex to take extra care this Bank Holiday weekend .
They're keen we all plan our route home after a night out away from water, and make sure we can avoid walking home alone.
Nick Singelton is the station manager gives Greatest Hits listeners some vital advice :
"If you do fall into the water, try not to panic."
" Try to float on your back and raise as much attention as you can get"
" If you see someone fall into the water, and if you are near a river dial 999 and ask for the fire service . If you are by the coast then ask for the local coastguard. "
The advice also coincides with Be Water Aware week and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is urging everyone in Essex to remember to Float To Live, a lifesaving technique if you’re struggling in water.
Floating on your back with your arms and legs stretched out can save your life if you are struggling in water.
The majority of people who drown in the UK did not intend to enter the water.
Watch Manager Chris Seal from Leigh Fire Station said: “When people fall unexpectedly into water, cold water shock sets in.
“You need to fight your instinct to swim and try to relax. Float on your back with your arms and legs out until the effects of cold water shock passes.
“Then, if you are able to, swim to shore. If you’re unable to swim to shore, float on your back with your arms and legs out and make your way slowly back to shore while shouting for help.”
With warmer weather also on the way, the advice for Essex residents is to be careful in and around water.