Avon Fire & Rescue Service has launched a new campaign aimed at highlighting the risks associated with still water, such as the Chew Valley and Blagdon lakes.
The water safety postcard | Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
On a hot sunny day, a countryside escape can be a welcome break from a busy beach.
Both Chew Valley Lake and Blagdon Lake provide a haven for wildlife and visitors to get away from the crowds and enjoy some time in nature.
The fire service is running a campaign to remind those visiting the area to take care in and around the water this summer.
Jacq Hardwick, Water Safety Lead at AF&RS said: “Our new campaign is aimed at helping you make happy memories by the water, whilst remembering the very real risks that exist in our local area.”
The campaign features a design with a vintage postcard theme, aimed at showing what to do if someone does get into difficulty in the water.
Jacq added: “You can even pop a stamp on the back and send the postcard to a loved one or friend to help spread the safety message.”
The fire service has offered the following water safety advice:
- Give waterways a wide berth, and avoid walking, running or cycling too close to the water’s edge.
- If you’re swimming, only enter the water where swimming is permitted.
- If you fall in the water, float to live. Stretch out your arms and legs and lie back in the water. Control your breathing, and once it’s under control, call for help.
- If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the fire service. Do not enter the water after the person. Instead, offer help from a safe distance away from the edge such as throwing them a throwline or life aid. You can also tell that person to ‘float to live’.
