Essex pubs and restaurants to become life-savers in new water rescue scheme

A new life-saving water rescue scheme has been launched in Essex to help tackle the number of tragic drowning deaths.

The Waterside Responder Scheme has been designed by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to provide life-saving skills and equipment for businesses that are located near to water, particularly those that serve alcohol.

In partnership with the RNLI, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) have been working with partners to establish an Essex Water Safety Forum.

The program demonstrate basic skills and knowledge that will safely assist somebody in trouble in water before the fire service arrives.

During the free session, participants are shown how to use a throw bag to pull people to safety.

Daisy Pearson from ECFRS’s Water Safety Team said: “Every year around 400 people drown in the UK. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if there had been quick response from someone who had the right skills and equipment to help.

“This is why we are calling for businesses in Essex who are near water to sign up for a free session. We believe many lives will be saved from this vital life-saving scheme.”

Nick Ayers, RNLI Water Safety Lead North & East said: "It is great collaborating with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to deliver the Waterside Responder programme. The program has already helped to save multiple lives across the country. Waterside businesses within the community will be able to get involved in the lifesaving initiative.

“The program includes advice on who to call if someone is in difficulty in the water, how to safely perform a rescue using a throw line and, most importantly, how to prevent such incidents in the first place by delivering a lifesaving message."

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