Beds FRS: Safety education at the forefront for World Drowning Prevention Day

Safety education at the forefront for World Drowning Prevention Day 

 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) is marking World Drowning Prevention Day (Thursday 25 July) by running two training sessions on the embankment in Bedford. 

 Despite global efforts, drowning remains the leading cause of death in all countries across the world. World Drowning Prevention Day provides the opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and to offer lifesaving solutions to prevent it.  

 Specially trained firefighters have today run the sessions for partner agencies and key community organisations to increase knowledge about water safety, including cold water immersion and hypothermia.  

 Crews demonstrated bankside the correct methods to deploy a throwline with some handy tips, followed by an in-water demonstration/rescue, with attendees having the opportunity to have a go themselves.  

 Rob Hulatt, Group Commander for Prevention, said: “Today’s training is a great opportunity for those attending to learn some basic lifesaving skills and gain knowledge of the dangers of open water.  

 “We have many lakes and river across the county so having more people trained to act quickly is so important. Thank you to everyone who have taken time out of their busy workday to come along and learn some new skills. 

 “Since 2019 we have been called to 76 water-related incidents, seven of which were fatal.  We know that during the summer people like to get out and enjoy our many rivers and lakes, but we would urge the public to do this safely as one drowning is one too many.” 

 It is reported that on average approximately 400 people drown in the UK every year and last year, sadly seven people lost their lives as a result of drowning in Bedfordshire. Many of these deaths are preventable and working with our partners we are committed to do more to help reduce this loss of life. 

 More than 90 per cent of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage vessels and swimming pools. In addition, water-related disasters increasingly affect millions of people globally due in part to the escalating adverse impacts of climate change, with drowning being the main cause of deaths during floods.