Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging Berkshire residents to ‘Be Water Aware’ as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week (26 April – 2 May).
Accidental drownings
In 2019, 223 people tragically lost their lives in accidental drownings and 44% of those people had no intention of ever being in the water. More people died in the UK in 2019 from accidental drowning than cyclists did on the road.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is therefore encouraging people not to become complacent when spending time in and around water, especially as COVID-19 restrictions ease and many people are expected to head to coastal locations and inland water beauty spots.
Taking safety measures before entering the water
David Grayson, Watch Based Station Manager, said, “As the weather begins to warm up, please continue to take care around rivers and lakes in the Berkshire area.”
Coldwater shock, along with hidden objects and currents, can make entering the water a very hazardous activity"
“We would advise people to avoid bridge or ledge jumping, often referred to as ‘tombstoning’ at all times. Whilst air temperatures are increasing, water temperatures can still be very cold. Coldwater shock can severely hamper anyone’s ability to swim, even the strongest of swimmers. Coldwater shock, along with hidden objects and currents, can make entering the water a very hazardous activity. If you do not know what you are jumping into, do not jump into it!”
“If you do wish to enter open water, we recommend doing so as part of an organized group, with proper safety instructions and safety measures to hand.”
Tips to staying safe around water
The number of deaths and other injuries caused by water-related incidents - many of which are sadly life-altering - can be reduced by being aware of the risks and following some simple advice.
To stay safe while spending time in and around water, please follow this advice:
- Never swim alone in case you need help
- Don’t drink alcohol when undertaking water-related activities; it impairs judgment and a person’s ability to swim
- Avoid walking routes near water if a person is drinking alcohol
- Don’t dive or jump straight into open water, this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock, even on the warmest day
- Actively supervise children in and around water - drowning can happen quickly and silently
- If a person finds themself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic, extend arms and legs out and float on the back by creating a star shape with the body until the effects of cold water shock pass
- Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service if inland and the Coastguard if a person is at the coast