Water Safety
Most people don't think of the fire service when it comes to water rescues, but it's an important part of our work. Tragically, more than 700 people drown in the UK and Ireland every year and many more suffer life-changing injuries.
While we hope you'll never need them, we have specialist water rescue crews ready to respond to emergencies across Essex 24/7.
Please read through our safety advice to keep yourself, your friends and family safe around water. Remember, if you or someone else is in trouble in water call 999 immediately
Always follow the Water Safety Code. Whenever you are around water:
STOP and THINK - Look for the dangers, always read the signs
STAY TOGETHER - Never swim alone - always go with friends or family
In an emergency:
CALL 999 - Shout for help and phone 999
FLOAT - If you fall in, float or swim on your back. Throw something that floats to anyone who has fallen in