ESSEX County Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) drowning prevention and water safety campaign.
The Be Water Aware campaign aims to raise awareness of the risk of accidental drowning.
Drowning is amongst the leading causes of accidental death in the UK. ECFRS wants to make people safer by making them aware of the risks and dangers when around water, what to do if they fall into water and how to help someone who is in trouble in water.
– In 2018, 263 people accidentally drowned in the UK
– Around 50% of these people just happened to be near water and had no intention of entering the water.
– 87% of these fatalities were male
– 77 UK nationals, mainly tourists, drowned whilst abroad in 2018
Drowning happens quickly and without warning. It has a devastating impact on families and many people will survive a drowning incident but are left with life changing injuries.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service wants people to really enjoy being near the water and be aware of the relevant risks.
If you are walking, running or cycling near water during your daily exercise:
– Be aware and take notice of any warning signs
– When running or walking next to water, stay clear of the edges
– Avoid walking or running near water in the dark
– Avoid throwing sticks or balls near water for dogs – they will go after it if they think you want it back even if you’ve thrown it too far or into dangerous water
– Never enter the water to try and save a dog – the dog usually manages to scramble out
Read more safety advice here at the following web adress: https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/Home_Safety_Advice/Water_Safety__Drowning_Prevention/
