Accidental drowning fatalities and water rescues have risen in 2021 in West Yorkshire, according to new figures released by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The figures show a high proportion of casualties in these incidents are males aged under 20.
#BeWaterAware
As summer gets into full swing, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is highlighting the dangers of open water and has launched its #BeWaterAware campaign to help people stay safe.
Chris Bell, Assistant District Commander, said, “If someone is in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for fire, as we have the specialist rescue equipment and are the quickest route to avoid delays and save vital minutes.”
dangers of open water
Lean back into the water, extend your arms, and control your breathing, then call and ask for help"
Chris Bell adds, “Understand the risks when you’re around open 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."
He continues, “We’re lucky to have lots of open water sites around our region and this can be enjoyed if people understand how to stay safe.”
The latest figures
- 124 water rescue incidents were attended by fire services in Yorkshire and the Humber in 2021.
- 23 accidental drowning fatalities were recorded in Yorkshire and the Humber during these 12 months, including eight in West Yorkshire, four more than the three-year average.
- 57 water rescue incidents were attended by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2021.
- There were an additional nine drowning fatalities in Yorkshire and the Humber in 2021, compared to the three-year average.
- There were 277 accidental drowning fatalities nationally in 2021, 31 more than the three-year average.
- In West Yorkshire, 89% of accidental drowning fatalities were male.
- Most accidental drowning fatalities happen when people are taking part in recreational activities like walking and running, particularly when swimming and jumping in.
reduce water-related incidents
Fire officers are delivering a series of educational talks using a Water Safety Flume simulator
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is working in partnership with other fire and rescue services, Yorkshire Water, the Canal and River Trust, and the RNLI to reduce the number of water-related incidents as part of #BeWaterAware.
Fire officers are delivering a series of educational talks using a Water Safety Flume simulator which demonstrates the makeup of different bodies of water, including waterfalls, stepping stones, weirs, and culverts.
Physical reaction
Jemma Burgess, the District Prevention Manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said, “Nearly 50 percent of people who accidentally drowned in 2020 had no intention of entering the water. Cold water shock, the pull of flowing water, and other hidden dangers can cause even the strongest swimmers to drown."
Jemma Burgess adds, “Even on a warm day the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing a physical reaction which can make it difficult to control breathing and make it difficult to swim.”
Crews will be delivering a simulated water rescue exercise on the River Aire, Royal Armouries Drive, at 10:30 am on Thursday 23 June.
