On Saturday, July 2, the Bradford Dragon Boat Festival returned to Saltaire. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service won the festival on two previous attempts and hoped to make it a hat trick in 2022.
The team performed valiantly and managed to take a very respectable second-placed finish! Congratulations to the victors - Oar from Baildon.
Bradford Dragon Boat Festival
The festival took place over three days and is a huge family attraction for hundreds of people around the region.
WYFRS competed on the second day in several heats and the quickest time was taken for the top teams to compete in the final.
water safety demonstrations
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to #BeWaterAware and understand the risks
Crews delivered water safety demonstrations and Bingley Station also provided a rescue crew for those that capsized.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to #BeWaterAware and understand the risks of being around open water and reminding the public to dial 999, and ask for FIRE if anyone is in trouble. Fire crews have specialist rescue equipment and are the quickest route to safety.
Dangers of water
Chris Bell, Assistant District Commander, said, “If someone is in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for fire, as this can save vital minutes.”
He adds, “Understand the various dangers of different types of water, and if you do get into trouble, float to live: Lean back into the water, extend your arms and control your breathing, then call and ask for help. Never enter the water to attempt a rescue."