PEOPLE across Worcestershire are being urged to make sure they stay safe in and around water across the county as the weather gets warmer.
The advice comes from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service which is backing the National Fire Chief Council’s ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign that runs until Sunday, April 28.
Startling statistics show that in 2022, 266 lives were lost to accidental drowning in the UK – all the deaths were preventable tragedies.
Its aim is to raise awareness about the risk of accidental drowning and providing safety advice ahead of the warmer months.
Figures also reveal 40 per cent of people who accidentally drowned had no intention of entering the water.
Slips, trips and falls were often the cause of these accidents.
Many people also underestimate the dangers of jumping into water or taking a dip to cool off, especially those with limited experience of outdoor swimming.
Unseen hazards and cold-water shock can mean even strong swimmers get into trouble.
Males account for 87 per cent of these accidental fatalities and 60 per cent of them happen in inland waters, such as rivers, reservoirs and lakes.
Simple tips to help stay safe include sticking to proper pathways and avoiding the water’s edge, not entering water after drinking alcohol, walking safe routes with friends and away from water.
People should also walk into water rather than jump in to avoid cold water shock.
If someone is in trouble in the water, the best thing to do is stay calm, stay on land and ‘Call, Tell, Throw’.
Call 999 for the emergency services, tell the person in trouble to float on their back and throw them something from floats.
Anyone finding themselves in trouble should ‘float to live’ – tilt your head back with your ears submerged.
Relax and breathe normally. Move hands to help stay afloat. Spread arms and legs out. Once breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety.
Visit https://www.hwfire.org.uk/advice/water-safety/ for more on water safety and go to nfcc.org.uk/bewateraware for more on the ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign.
Search for #BeWaterAware on social media.
