Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has been working with the RLSS Hereford & Worcester Branch to raise awareness of how to stay safe around water.
The most recent National Drowning Report revealed a 46 per cent increase in the number of children accidentally drowning in the UK in 2022, compared with the five-year average.
So, in support of RLSS UK’s 2024 Drowning Prevention Week campaign, children from Pitmaston Primary School in Worcester were invited along to a special event at Worcester Rowing Club, where the two organisations worked together to demonstrate how to stay safe near rivers, lakes and canals.
Some of the activities demonstrated included rope throws, learning how to float on water if you fall in, and how to assist someone if you see them in trouble in the water.
The HWFRS drone crew was present to demonstrate how they search for people using a thermal imaging camera and the boat crew from Worcester Fire Station also took part to demonstrate water rescues.
“There are three key messages to remember when you’re near water,” said Station Commander John Elsworth of the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Prevention Department.
“Make sure you are aware of your surroundings; stay together and if you see someone in the water then remember to Call, Tell and Throw.
“Call 999; Tell the person in the water to lie on their back with their arms and legs out as that will help them to save energy and will help to keep their head above water; and Throw anything to hand which floats to the person in the water as that in turn will help to keep them afloat.”
For more excellent advice on how to stay safe around water, please visit our website Water Safety | Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (hwfire.org.uk)