Latest news with #BeWaterAware
BBC News
05-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Fire service brings water safety message to Exeter Quay
Firefighters have highlighted the dangers of falling into the water at Exeter Quay.A rescue demonstration during the National Fire Chiefs Council's Be Water Aware week was aimed at educating people about the risks associated with the quay, where many people walk, cycle, or Fisher from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said "numerous incidents" of people struggling in the water occur annually at the quay."So that's why we want to engage with people that use the area and make sure they're aware of the dangers," he said. "We really want to talk to people about being mindful when they're using areas around water, that if anything goes wrong, they could end up in the water, and what they should be doing to save themselves," he explained the concept of float to live, advising individuals to float on their backs with arms and legs spread out to stabilise themselves and keep their airways clear until the effects of cold water shock pass. Rescue crews demonstrated the use of throw lines and boat rescues, showing the public how to assist someone in the water.
ITV News
01-05-2025
- ITV News
Fire chiefs call for urgent action on drownings
Fire chiefs are calling for urgent national action to prevent drownings after a 16-year-old boy died while swimming in a lake during a spell of hot weather. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has urged the Government to give fire services in England a legal duty to respond to water emergencies, such as rescues in rivers, lakes and canals. The call comes during the NFCC's Be Water Aware campaign and as emergency services report a rise in water-related incidents. The teenager died after getting into difficulty at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham on Wednesday evening. His body was recovered hours later. Chief Inspector David Mather of Nottinghamshire Police said: 'While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.' Tom Staples, from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the incident was a 'stark reminder' of the hidden dangers in open water. NFCC water safety lead Chris Kirby said: '1,400 people have died in accidental drowning incidents across just five years. 'We need urgent action to prevent anybody else coming to harm and that requires steps being taken at a national level.' The NFCC says the lack of a legal duty in England means fire services face limits on how much they can invest in water rescue training, equipment and education. It also leads to inconsistencies across the UK, with Wales having a statutory duty for inland water rescue, and Scotland and Northern Ireland holding duties in relation to major flooding. Kirby said clearer responsibilities for fire and rescue services, backed by law and funding, would help improve emergency response and public safety campaigns. Figures from the Water Incident Database show 1,409 people died in accidental drownings between 2019 and 2023, with more than half in inland waters. The NFCC also wants the Government to appoint a lead department or minister for water safety to better coordinate prevention work. Temperatures reached 29.3C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday – the hottest May 1 on record – with fire services warning of a surge in water incidents. The London Fire Brigade said such incidents were up 32% last month. Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fire chiefs call for urgent action on drownings
Fire chiefs are calling for urgent national action to prevent drownings after a 16-year-old boy died while swimming in a lake during a spell of hot weather. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has urged the Government to give fire services in England a legal duty to respond to water emergencies, such as rescues in rivers, lakes and canals. The call comes during the NFCC's Be Water Aware campaign and as emergency services report a rise in water-related incidents. The teenager died after getting into difficulty at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham on Wednesday evening. His body was recovered hours later. Chief Inspector David Mather of Nottinghamshire Police said: 'While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.' Tom Staples, from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the incident was a 'stark reminder' of the hidden dangers in open water. NFCC water safety lead Chris Kirby said: '1,400 people have died in accidental drowning incidents across just five years. 'We need urgent action to prevent anybody else coming to harm and that requires steps being taken at a national level.' The NFCC says the lack of a legal duty in England means fire services face limits on how much they can invest in water rescue training, equipment and education. It also leads to inconsistencies across the UK, with Wales having a statutory duty for inland water rescue, and Scotland and Northern Ireland holding duties in relation to major flooding. Kirby said clearer responsibilities for fire and rescue services, backed by law and funding, would help improve emergency response and public safety campaigns. Figures from the Water Incident Database show 1,409 people died in accidental drownings between 2019 and 2023, with more than half in inland waters. The NFCC also wants the Government to appoint a lead department or minister for water safety to better coordinate prevention work. Temperatures reached 29.3C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday – the hottest May 1 on record – with fire services warning of a surge in water incidents. The London Fire Brigade said such incidents were up 32% last month. Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold.' The RNLI urged swimmers to float on their backs if in trouble and to only swim at lifeguarded beaches.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Firefighters issue warning to public about dangers of open water
Firefighters have issued a warning to the public about the dangers of open water. The warning has been issued by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and the organisations it works with, in anticipation of beach, river, and lake visits prompted by warmer weather. Crew manager Paul Bainbridge said: "Even when it's a warm, sunny day, the water can still be cold enough to induce Cold Water Shock, which can seriously affect your breathing and movement. "There may also be strong currents, which can pull even the most experienced swimmers under the water. "That's why we are urging the public not to be tempted to take a dip in open water spots such as rivers and lakes, no matter how tempting they may look." The fire service is asking people to remember the phrase 'float to live' if they find themselves in trouble in the water. Mr Bainbridge said: "If you fall in the water, float on your back. "Tilt your head back with your ears under the water and use your hands to help you stay afloat. "When you are floating, call for help or try to steer with your arms towards shore." The advice comes ahead of Be Water Aware Week (April 28 to May 4), a National Fire Chiefs Council campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the dangers of accidental drowning as well as providing water safety advice ahead of the warmer months. CDDFRS has confirmed that crews attended 16 water rescue incidents in 2024 and 19 such incidents in 2023. CDDFRS said that if someone gets into difficulty in the water people should remember to follow the Call, Tell, Throw advice. Mr Bainbridge said: "Call 999 and ask for the fire service. "Explain where you are. "If you are unsure of the location, look for landmarks or use the 'what3words' app. "Tell the person in the water not to panic and to float on their back. READ MORE: Durham Cathedral floral arrangements for Royal Maundy Service Auckland Palace to welcome the Easter Bunny this weekend La Piazza to open restaurant 'very soon' on Yarm High Street "Throw them something that floats, such as a throw bag, if nearby. "If they are attached to a rope, make sure you hold the end so you can pull the person in. "If you manage to get the person out of the water, remember, they will always need medical attention as they may have hypothermia or water in the lungs." For more information about the Be Water Aware campaign, please visit For more water safety advice, please visit
