Fire crews from across the region came together on Sunday, 6th April, for a large-scale water training exercise at Newbridge in Bath.
Firefighters during the training exercise | Photo © Bath Echo
Firefighters put their water rescue skills to the test during the exercise, which took place at Weston Lock on Brassmill Lane.
The training saw firefighters from Bath Red Watch facilitate a simulated scenario where live casualties required rescue from a sinking canal boat.
Rescuing a casualty from water | Photo © Bath Echo
They were joined by crews from Temple and Bedminster, plus on-call firefighters from Weston-super-Mare, who had the opportunity to practice their water rescue capabilities.
Andy Baker, Watch Manager at Bath Fire Station, said: “Training exercises such as these are essential in reinforcing our water rescue capabilities as frontline firefighters and testing our procedures in these types of incidents.
Preparing an inflatable boat for the rescue | Photo © Bath Echo
“It’s also important for crews from different stations – who may arrive before specially trained water rescue teams and their specialist water rescue equipment – are fully prepared and equipped to respond before those colleagues get to the scene.”
In 2024, Avon Fire & Rescue Service attended 100 rescues or evacuations from water.
Fire crews used Weston Lock on Brassmill Lane for the exercise | Photo © Bath Echo
As the warmer weather of spring and summer approaches, residents are being urged keep themselves and their families and friends safe in and around the water.
The service has offered essential safety tips, including:
- Never enter the water to rescue a person or an animal – always call 999
- Never enter the water if under the influence of alcohol or drugs – don’t let river water be your last drink.
- If someone is struggling in the water, tell them ‘Float To Live’ – lying on their back with arms and legs stretched wide, allowing time to control breathing and call for help.
- 60% of people who enter the water, slip, trip or fall in accidentally while running, walking, or cycling. Stick to the path provided, away from the water’s edge.
Remember:
- CALL – 999 and ask for the fire service
- TELL – the person to float on their back (Float to Live)
- THROW – something that can be used as a floatation device
There are also several river cabinet rescue stations along the riverside cycle path in Bath. These cabinets store a throwline which you can use to rescue a person struggling in the water.
Locals are invited to find out more the role the fire service plays in water rescue at the upcoming Water Safety Open Day at Bath Fire Station on Saturday 12th April from 11am-3pm.
The free, family-friendly event will provide opportunities to learn key water safety skills, as well as meeting the crew and getting a closer look at water safety equipment. You can find out more here.
