Download PDF version

This World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging Kent and Medway residents to respect the water.

In the UK, drowning is a cause of accidental death and statistics have shown that drowning deaths are increasing, with more lives lost in inland water, than on the coast. KFRS has specialist water safety teams with crews always ready to respond to inland water rescues, where people are in trouble in lakes and rivers.

Water rescue experts

With a number of UK drowning deaths in the last week alone, during the heatwave, water rescue experts at KFRS are reminding people not to take risks.

KFRS’ Tactical Advisor for Water Rescue, Grant Brooker, said: “We want everyone to able to enjoy being around water, but it’s so important to be water wise and aware of the dangers.”

Water rescue experts at KFRS are reminding people not to take risks

Grant Brooker adds, “It doesn’t matter who you are, how strong you are at swimming, or even if you don’t intend on getting in the water - anyone can end up in trouble if simple safety tips aren’t followed. If you find yourself by a lake, river, or the sea, taking just a few moments to look for potential hazards really can make the difference between having a nice time or finding yourself in need of rescue.”

Cold water shock

Tips for anyone walking/running near water, or thinking about open water swimming:

  • Stick to proper pathways, stay away from the edge and look out for slip/trip hazards
  • Take warning or safety signs seriously – they’re there for a reason
  • Avoid jumping or diving in – users don’t know how deep the water is or what hazards lie beneath the surface
  • Opt to swim in areas designed for safe swimming, preferably where a lifeguard is on duty
  • If users get into trouble or experience cold water shock, lean onto the back, gently move to help them stay afloat, and stay there until they can control the breathing – then shout for help or swim to safety if they can.

Grant Brooker continues: “Always remember, the water could be colder than you think, deeper or more shallow than it looks, and more dangerous than it seems. If you see someone in trouble in a lake or river call 999 for the fire service, or if they’re in the sea ask for the Coastguard.”

Download PDF version Download PDF version

In case you missed it

Innovative Fire Protection By WAGNER At LogiMAT 2025
Innovative Fire Protection By WAGNER At LogiMAT 2025

At the LogiMAT in Stuttgart from 11th to 13th March, WAGNER will be presenting innovative fire protection technologies and individual solutions for deep-freeze warehouses, high-bay...

The Importance Of Fire Protection To Minimize Damage After Natural Disasters
The Importance Of Fire Protection To Minimize Damage After Natural Disasters

There is a lot of studies and authority actions to have better responses after a natural disaster, including risk management, awareness, and preparedness especially in areas where...

Kidde's Game-Changing Inert Gas Solutions For Security
Kidde's Game-Changing Inert Gas Solutions For Security

The Kidde Fire Protection Natura™ Inert Gas System by Kidde Australia has transformed the way installers think about deploying inert gas fire suppression systems, deliverin...

vfd