Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service urging people to be safe around water ahead of summer
The service are warning people the risks swimming in water can pose
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe in and around water as the warmer weather starts to arrive.
The team have been supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC’s) Be Water Aware campaign, and have warned people the dangers water can pose.
Statistics reveal 40% of people who accidentally drown had no intention of entering the water – with slips, trips, and falls often being the cause of these incidents.
John Elsworth is commander for prevention in the service, and says it's important people listen to the advice being given.
He said: "When it comes to rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, they can be quite exciting places, but they do have hazards to them which are sometimes hidden.
"There are some very simple tips to staying safe which can be easily followed, such as sticking to proper pathways and not going into the water if you've had any alcohol.
"We don't want to ruin anyone's fun in all of this but we just want people to respect the water, and understand there is hidden dangers to some of those places people like to swim in."
In 2022, 266 lives were lost to accidental drowning in the UK.
Simple tips to help stay safe include:
• Stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge
• Don’t enter the water after drinking alcohol
• Walk a safe route home after drinking, with friends and away from water
• Cold water shock can kill, walking into the water rather than jumping in can help reduce the risk.
If someone is in trouble in the water, the best way to help is by staying calm, staying on land, and remember Call, Tell, Throw:
• Call 999 for the emergency services
• Tell the struggling person to float on their back.
• Throw them something that floats.