Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is supporting Water Safety Week (Monday 25th April – Sunday 1st May), a national campaign to help people be safe near water, with a river rescue simulation in the centre of Bath.
Photo courtesy of Avon Fire & Rescue
Firefighters will be attending a number of events to highlight the dangers and give advice about how to stay safe.
Crews from Bedminster and Portishead will join other partners including RNLI, HM Coastguard and South Western Ambulance Service at Portishead Open Air Pool for a Water Safety Day on Saturday 23rd April.
On Monday 25th April, to kick off Water Safety Week, crews from Bath will simulate a rescue from the River Avon in Bath to highlight the fact that 44% of drowning victims had no intention of entering the water.
On average firefighters trained in water rescue at Bath Fire Station attend one water related incident every month.
Later that day firefighters will join Dorset & Wiltshire FRS to give a presentation on water and boat fire safety at The Jolly Sailor pub in Saltford from 8pm.
Other events include:
- Clevedon firefighters will be giving advice and guidance to the local rowing club at Clevedon sea front.
- Crews from Temple Fire Station will be advising members of the public on water safety at Bristol Harbour.
- Firefighters from Hicks Gate Fire Station will be visiting Keynsham Marina.
Station Manager at Bath and Lead for Water Rescue at AF&RS, Rob Seaman, said: “As the weather warms up we want people to enjoy themselves safely when they are near water.
“Rivers, canals and open water can present a real danger as the water can be extremely cold, and if people have been drinking alcohol, that can dramatically affect the reactions of even the strongest swimmer.
“We are urging people to find out more about how to be safe by water by coming to one of our events or visit our website at www.avonfire.gov.uk.”
