Caption: Crew Manager Paul Bainbridge and Firefighter Ethan Hall.
‘Float to live.’
That’s the lifesaving advice from firefighters in County Durham and Darlington as they urge the public not to take risks when near the water.
The warmer weather means that people across the North East will be visiting beaches, rivers and lakeside spots, but County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) and the organisations it works with, are warning of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface.
“Even when it’s a warm, sunny day, the water can still be cold enough to induce Cold Water Shock, which can seriously affect your breathing and movement,” Crew Manager Paul Bainbridge said.
“There may also be strong currents which can pull even the most experienced swimmers under the water.
“That’s why we are urging the public not to be tempted to take a dip in open water spots such as rivers and lakes, no matter how tempting they may look.
“If you fall in the water, float on your back.
“Tilt your head back with your ears under the water and use your hands to help you stay afloat.
“When you are floating, call for help or try to steer with your arms towards shore.”
The advice comes ahead of Be Water Aware Week (April 28 to May 4), a National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) campaign.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the dangers of accidental drowning as well as providing water safety advice ahead of the warmer months.
CDDFRS has confirmed that crews attended 16 water rescue incidents in 2024 and 19 of such incidents in 2023.
CDDFRS said that if someone gets into difficulty in the water people should remember to follow the Call, Tell, Throw advice.
Crew Manager Bainbridge said: “Call 999 and ask for the fire service.
“Explain where you are. If you are unsure of the location, look for landmarks or use the ‘what3words’ app.
“Tell the person in the water not to panic and to float on their back.
“Throw them something that floats such as a throw bag, if nearby.
“If they are attached to a rope, make sure you hold the end so you can pull the person in.
“If you manage to get the person out of the water, remember, they will always need medical attention as they may have hypothermia or water in the lungs.”
CDDFRS is working with Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary, as part of the separate County Durham and Darlington Open Water Safety Groups, to inform the public what they should do if they fall into water and how to help someone who is struggling.
For more information about the Be Water Aware campaign, visit the NFCC website here.
PARTNER COMMENTS
Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “Sadly around 300 people across the UK have lost their lives as a result of accidental drowning over the last five years.
“Many of these deaths are preventable and we work closely with the fire and rescue service, police and other partners as part of the Open Water Safety Group to raise awareness of the dangers and promote water safety in a bid to help reduce the number of tragedies.
“As we look forward to the warmer months, and school holidays, it’s important that we all do what we can to keep ourselves and our family and friends safe when in and around water.
“That’s why we continue to support campaigns such as Be Water Aware, raising awareness of the potential hazards so everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely.”
A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “In spring and summer, as the weather warms up, it can be tempting to cool off in rivers.
“But water that looks calm and inviting on the surface can hide dangers beneath, such as rocks, discarded rubbish, or strong undercurrents.
“Even on the hottest days, the water can still be extremely cold, which can trigger cold water shock – leaving you breathless and helpless in seconds.
“Please always respect the water to keep yourself and those around you safe.”
Kevin Lough, chair of the County Durham Open Water Safety Group and Durham County Council’s corporate health and safety compliance manager, said: “Like everyone else, we’re looking forward to the warmer weather that hopefully lies ahead, which we know will make some people want to head to rivers or lakes to cool off.
“While we don’t want to be killjoys, we would just like to join with other organisations in encouraging people to bear in mind the many risks that come with open water, if they are thinking about going in.
“There is the obvious risk of drowning if you get into difficulties but there are also lesser-known dangers, such as the temperature causing potentially fatal cold water shock and objects beneath the surface which may not be visible.
“We hope everyone enjoys themselves when the summer arrives but would ask them to remember these risks if heading to open water.”
