Drowning Prevention Advice In July, it was the World Health Organisation’s World Drowning Prevention Day. Esses Fire and Rescue Service took the opportunity to urge everyone in Essex to do one thing and help raise awareness of water safety. Essex has one of the longest coastlines in the UK as well as many inland water beauty spots. The Service wants people to enjoy the water, especially in this hot weather and summer holiday season, but to respect it and be aware of the dangers.
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Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s Water Safety Manager Andrea MacAlister said: “Most people don't think of the fire service when it comes to water rescues, but it's
an important part of our work which is why we want people to enjoy spending time in and around water safely. “ They have asked that people respect the water by doing the following things. •
look after yourself and your family.
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if you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
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if you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service urged people to watch their water safety advice videos as well as sharing a short film from the Lee Valley Water Safety Partnership which tells the story of a mum’s pain after losing her son in an accident at the park. In the film she urges people to understand the dangers of water and that no one is invincible. The advice includes: •
Never swim alone in case you need help
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Don’t drink alcohol when undertaking water related activities, it impairs judgement and your ability to swim
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Avoid walking routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol
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Don’t dive or jump straight into open water, this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day
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Actively supervise children in and around water - drowning can happen fast and silently
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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
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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.
As the weather continues to be warm and as we are now in school summer holidays, this advice is very relevant. Source: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
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