To kick off a national water safety campaign, firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) staged a dramatic river rescue – highlighting essential drowning prevention techniques.
On Monday 28th April, the River Tyne became the backdrop for the mock water rescue carried out by officers from the TWFRS fire boat team.
Passers-by on the Newcastle Quayside witnessed the demonstration as part of Be Water Aware which is being delivered by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
The Be Water Aware campaign is part of a coordinated effort to support the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy, which aims to achieve a 50% reduction in accidental drownings by 2026.
Here are some of the essential headline topics being covered as part of Be Water Aware:
- Respect the water. It is stronger than you think.
- Cold water can kill.
- Stay safe near open water.
- Know what to do in an emergency.
- Float to live.
- Alcohol and water don’t mix.
Group Manager Steve Thomas, Head of Prevention and Education at TWFRS, said: “Making people aware about the importance of drowning prevention and water safety is a vital way of keeping people safe.
“When the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer months people – especially the young – are naturally drawn to the water to paddle, swim or just to enjoy the view.
“We want to highlight dangers that the water can pose and give people the knowledge that could one day help to save their own life or the life of someone else.”
NFCC’s Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Lead, Chris Kirby, said: “Many people don’t realise how easily everyday situations, like walking near a riverbank, or trying to cool off on a warm day – can end in tragedy.
“Our message is simple: We encourage people to reduce their risk of drowning by making safe choices around water and to know what to do if an emergency should happen.”
Newcastle City Council have installed throw-bags along the Newcastle Quayside as part of a water safety initiative, working hand-in-hand with TWFRS.
These throw-bags are part of a wider scheme across Tyne and Wear that have been saving lives, with the Newcastle Quayside installation specifically designed to help those who may accidentally fall into the water. The initiative looks to provide a readily available life-saving tool in case of an emergency on the river.
Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’re incredibly fortunate to have many picturesque attractions in Newcastle and the wider region where people are drawn to the water, such as the spectacular Quayside in heart of the city.
“While they bring visitors to our region and provide joy and respite to our residents, it’s also vital that people are aware of the dangers around water, particularly with the warmer months ahead of us.
“I’d like to thank Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for putting on this demonstration and helping to keep our communities safe.”
Be Water Aware is being delivered between 28th April and the 4th May – for further information please visit the NFCC’s website https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/campaigns/be-water-aware