Fire service promotes water safety following series of incidents in Cumbria this year
Campaign aims to reduce accidental drownings by 50% by 2026
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is promoting its Be Water Aware campaign, aimed at promoting safe practices in and around water across the UK.
The campaign underpins the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy, striving for a 50% decrease in accidental drownings from 2016 to 2026.
NFCC encourages fire and rescue services to spread essential water safety information in their communities and online.
Awareness is crucial in averting these tragedies, offering practical advice such as steps to take if someone is seen struggling in the water.
Water safety resources provided by the Be Water Aware campaign can be utilised year-round to reinforce the message in various communities.
The toolkit can be downloaded from the NFCC website by fire and rescue services registered with a profile.
In light of this initiative, the family of a 17-year-old boy, Absi Ahmed, who died at High Dam Tarn on 7th April, has spoken about his life and the impact of his loss.
The family shared: “Absi was a bright, kind, funny young man with his whole future ahead of him. He was a loyal friend, a loving son, and someone who brought warmth and laughter wherever he went. His loss has shaken our entire community.”
They hope to raise awareness about the dangers of entering open waters, directing people toward guidance on water safety provided by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service.
The NFCC campaign and families affected by water tragedies are united in their mission to educate communities on the devastating effects of water incidents and promote safer practices.
For those confronted with difficulties in water, the NFCC recommends the Float to Live strategy:
Tilt your head back, allowing your ears to submerge, relax your breathing, move hands and legs to remain afloat, and get accustomed to how your body naturally floats. Practising this at a supervised location, like a swimming pool, could be beneficial.