Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service urges public to be 'water aware'
Photos and video by:- VAMPHire.Com.

BETWEEN 29 April and 5 May 2019, the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS,) along with partner organisations ran a series of events across the Liverpool City Region as part of:- 'Safety Week' focused on water awareness.

Current statistics show that drowning in the UK is now 1 of the leading causes of accidental death. In 2017 alone, 255 people accidentally drowned, with around 50% taking part in normal everyday activities near water at the time such as:- walking, running, cycling or fishing. As a result UK Fire Chiefs agreed to run a campaign to warn people of the dangers of drowning when involved in activities either in or near water, as a result some of the activities involved local Schools, like the 1 we attended, at both the Pier Head in Liverpool and Waterside Lodge in Southport.

Whilst there has been a 20% drop in accidental drownings since 2015, MFRS and partner agencies continue to work proactively to ensure the public are aware of the dangers water poses and what to do if they should ever find themselves in difficulty. So, working along the side of partner organisations:- Merseyside Police, Southport Lifeboat, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA,) the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK,) Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and with help from Mersey Ferries, MFRS delivered a series of briefings and demonstrations to children from across the Region.

The biggest being a demonstration in front of local Schools at the Pier Head in Liverpool and on the Mersey Ferry. This included a live demonstration of a rescue from water, at the Mersey Ferry Terminal. Sadly, the MCA's Helicopter could not attend, but this event was both visually impressive as it was educational. You can see photos we took of this event in this report as well as a video footage taken at the event.

Another live demonstrations and educational events we attended took place at the local Scout District's Waterside Lodge, located on the Marine Lake, Southport. Again a demonstration took place involving the Underwater Police Search Unit and this time, 1 of the UK's independent rescue services, Southport Offshore Rescue Trust (SORT) or as it's better known as, Southport Lifeboat, who both took to the water to demonstrate rescue skills. The children and adults attending also were given advice on what they should look out for and steps to take to minimise the risks near water, with thanks to Lifeguards from the RNLI. Photos also in this report have been taken at this event along with another video.

Other events were held at various locations across Merseyside, including:- Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Station, the Royal Albert Dock and Carr Mill Dam, in St Helens.

Watch Manager, Steve Thomas, Lead for Water Safety at MFRS, said:- "The latest figures showing water linked fatalities make shocking reading and demonstrate just how serious the risks are for people who go near to or into water. Nearly 50% of people who accidentally drown in the UK never intended to enter the water originally so it imperative that you are aware of the risks and take action accordingly. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are called out to incidents involving rescue from water on a frequent basis. Some of these are people who have deliberately entered the water, either in a distressed state, or possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs but many people do so accidentally. We would urge people engaging in activities near water such as running, dog walking or angling to be especially careful to stay safe. If you are involved in water sports or activities, make sure that you are well prepared, with the correct safety equipment and a good idea of weather and tidal conditions before you enter the water. If you have been for a night out, bear in mind that if you have been drinking, your judgement of risk may be affected, take a safe route home away from water."

It is also with noting that as part of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service's continued commitment to reduce drownings, they have recently formed the Merseyside Water Safety Forum alongside partners including:- the RNLI, RLSS, Merseyside Police and other local authorities and services, like Sefton Council and Southport Offshore Rescue Trust.

Ian Kay, Marine Rescue Team Leader at MFRS, added:- "By highlighting this issue and making sure simple safety messages reach them, we hope to reduce the number of these needless deaths. The fire service has successfully reduced the number of fire deaths by focussing on prevention work and we must apply the same principle to tackling drowning. Response is not enough; we must prevent drownings."

The NFCC aims to reduce the number of drownings in UK waters by 50% by 2026.

Make sure you follow these important safety tips near water:-


►   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.

Did you know? The Coastguard Service covers not just the Sea in the UK, but also:- rivers, canals and streams, as well also lakes, reservoirs and docks...

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