Fire Service gives water safety advice
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is sharing its advice to help people stay safe in and around water this summer.
Andrea MacAlister, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Water Safety Lead said:
“Whether you’re at the beach, a swimming pool or dining at a riverside pub, we want you to stay safe in and around water.
“Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the UK. 50% of people who die never intended to go in the water and by following our safety advice, you can Be Water Aware.
“Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing out water safety advice on our website and social media channels and you’ll see some of our firefighters and community safety officers out and about across Essex giving advice to members of the public.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s advice to stay safe in and around water is:
- Never swim alone in case you need help
- Don’t drink alcohol when undertaking water related activities, it impairs judgement and your ability to swim
- Avoid walking routes near water if you have been 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 fast and silently
- If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic, extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effect of cold water shock pass
- Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if inland and the Coastguard if you are at the coast
For more Water Safety Advice, visit: essex-fire.gov.uk/water
Page last updated 16 August, 2021