Water rescue experts from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are raising awareness of water safety and the risks associated with open water and accidental drowning.
Ahead of the Be Water Aware campaign by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), running between 22th to 28th April 2024, Water Rescue leads within SFRS are issuing water safety advice and raising awareness on what to do should you be in an emergency.
SFRS’s Water Rescue Lead Station Commander Gary Bryant said:
“We see far too many incidents of people encountering difficulties in Surrey’s waters, especially during the warmer months.
“It’s easy for people to underestimate the dangers. Even for those who are strong swimmers, or the water is perceived to be shallow, factors such as hidden hazards beneath the surface or the risk of cold-water shock can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations.”
Statistics from the Water Incident Database reveal that from 2022 to 2023, 40% of people who accidentally drowned had no intention of entering the water. Slips, trips and falls were often the cause of these accidents. Young males, 20-29 years old, and middle aged males, 50-59 years old, were the highest groups for accidental water fatalities.
As part of the campaign, SFRS will be sharing key tips on water safety, including the following advice on what to do if you find yourself struggling in the water:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax, breathe normally
- Move your hands to help you float
- Spread your arms and legs out
- Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety
SFRS advocates the simple “Call, Tell, Throw” approach when helping others in difficulty:
- Call 999 in case of emergencies
- Tell the individual to float on their back
- Throw a flotation device
For further information on staying safe around open water, please visit Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s website.
