Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Encouraging People To 'Be Water Aware'
Drowning in the UK is one of the leading causes of accidental death, therefore Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC's) drowning prevention and water safety campaign 'Be Water Aware' which runs from 23rd - 29th April.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Station Manager John Cooke said, “Each year more than 300 people drown after tripping, falling or just by underestimating the risks associated with being near water and many more people are left with life changing injuries in water related incidents.
“DFRS will be raising awareness of the risks associated with being near open water. Throughout the week Firefighters and Community Safety Officers will be attending Derby University, Trent Lock and Mercia Marina highlighting these dangers so people can enjoy the water safely and not end up as one of these shocking statistics.”
NFCC's Water Safety Lead, Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker, said "Most people would be shocked to hear that those people drowning just happen to be near water such as runners and walkers. They are unaware of the risks and are totally unprepared for the scenario of ending up in the water. By highlighting this issue and making sure simple safety messages reach them we hope to reduce the number of these needless deaths."
Ahead of what promises to be a hot and sunny weekend, DFRS would like to remind people about the following water safety advice:
- If you are going for a walk or run near water stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge.
- Make sure conditions are safe, avoid walking or running near water in the dark, slippery or in bad weather.
- If you've had alcohol don't enter the water, avoid walking alone and avoid routes near water
- Never enter the water to try and help a person or animal - always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available.
- If you are spending time near water - whether at home or abroad make sure you are familiar with local safety information.
To stay up to date with everything the Service is doing to support the NFCC’s drowning prevention and water safety campaign and for valuable prevention advice, follow us on social media:
Twitter: @DerbyshireFRS
Facebook: DerbyshireFRS
Instagram: @derbyshirefrs
More News From Amber Valley Info
| News Have you seen missing girl Megan From Ripley Have you seen Megan? The 15-year-old has been reported missing from her home in Ripley. read more | |
| A night at the museum for the 5th Dronfield Hilltop Cubs Great British Car Journey, the award-winning classic car museum in Ambergate, Derbyshire, hosted the pack for a very special read more | |
| Alfreton chapel with planning for redevelopment as two homes goes under the hammer The former Methodist chapel in the village of Westhouses near Alfreton is to go up for auction thi read more | |
| Love Sadler Gate Promises Blooming Good Time at Spring Market Love Sadler Gate, the collective of independent businesses in the iconic Derby Cathedral Quarter street, will be holdin read more | |
| Lord Burlington opens iconic Heage Windmill On Saturday around 120 guests welcomed Lord Burlington to Heage Windmill for the Official Opening of the mill following extensive repairs read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
| Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
| Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley boosting the speed, performance and coverage of mobile services in the area. read more | |
| Trent Barton Buses - Extension Of The £2 Single Fare Cap Trent Barton Buses have confirmed their participation in the extension of the £2 single fare cap until the end o read more | |
| Crich Tramway Village Looking For An Engineering Manager The successful candidate for this post will have excellent management skills gained whilst working in a practical workshop e read more | |
