‘Be Water Aware’ as temperatures begin to rise
As the weather begins to improve, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is joining other fire services across the UK and asking everyone to stay safe when spending time in and around water.
The call comes as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign which runs until Sunday 30 April. The campaign is warning people of the risk of accidentally drowning.
https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/Be-Water-AwareLast year, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to 36 water rescue incidents involving people getting into difficulty in Berkshire’s waterways – an increase of 50 per cent since 2020.
Many people underestimate the risk of jumping into water where unseen hazards and cold water can endanger even the strongest swimmers. Even on a warm day the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing cold water shock, a physical reaction which can make it difficult to control breathing, cause panic and make it difficult to swim.
If you find yourself in trouble, try not to panic and remember ‘Float To Live’. Lean back in the water and spread your arms and legs to stay afloat and control your breathing. It can take up to 90 seconds for the effects of cold-water shock to pass.
If you do see someone in difficulty, remember ‘Call, Tell and Throw' – call 999, tell the person to float on their back and throw something to them to help them float.
For more information on water safety, visit the RBFRS website.
https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/out-and-about/water-safety/
