Firefighters Promote Water Safety and Drowning Prevention

Cheshire firefighters are joining colleagues across the country to raise awareness of the dangers of everyday activities near water, as part of a national safety campaign.

Nick Evans, Head of Prevention at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We were called to 17 incidents in 2016 where people needed rescuing from water. Nine of these people suffered from hypothermia as a result of being in the water.

"We want people to enjoy spending time around water, but we want them to do it safely. Firefighters and other emergency services risk their own safety to rescue people who get into difficulties on our waterways, so it's important that people take extra care and keep everyone safe."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service would encourage people to follow their water safety advice:

• Only swim as part of an organised group
• Never go swimming alone
• Never drink alcohol around water
• Know your limits – the cold can kill

Don't ignore the safety signs – it could cost you your life

Watch the CFRS Safety Video n YouTube here: Water safety – don't be tempted to cool off in open water

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.