Fire Service urges caution around water amid rising temperatures
An amber heat health alert comes into effect from 9am today (8/7)
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is calling for the public to take sensible steps if near water over the coming days as an amber health alert comes into action across various parts of the UK.
The UKHSA has issued the alert as another heat wave grips the nation, saying the rising temperatures pose a health risk to vulnerable people.
It's triggered renewed calls for safety around water and responsible actions in areas at risk of wildfires.
Graham Kewley, from DWFRS, says being water can be an enjoyable way to relax and cool off during high temperatures, but it comes with risks too.
"It does present some significant hazards when you enter it, particularly deep water, flowing water, water with other obstructions, particularly around weirs and bridges, can be problematic, and the effects of cold water shock can be significant on the body and can impede your ability to swim and to get to a place of safety," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
The advice from the Fire and Rescue Service is:
- Only swim in familiar places
- Read any warning signs nearby
- Don't swim alone
- Avoid entering large bodies of water from height or fully submerging ourselves as water below the surface can be very cold
Graham warned us that these sorts of events can happy to anyone, with a number of fatalities already this year, with more than 200 across the country each year.
"It's very easy to get caught up with friends, enjoying yourselves in hot weather and do something that you perhaps might not otherwise choose to do," he said.
We're told to call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service in an emergency, or ask for the Coast Guard if we're near the coast.
Wildfire's also a risk
Last year, DWFRS had to deal with a major wildfire at Holt Heath in Dorset, and the Service is urging us to take steps to prevent wildfires.
Graham described wildfires as "particularly challenging" for the firefighters, saying the conditions are strenuous and dangerous to their health. He added that the winds can see a fires spread quickly and get out of control.
He says it's vital that we consider the wisdom of having a bonfire at this time of year and be cautious with barbecues and other open fires, particularly on dry ground and heathlands, which have public space protection orders preventing these types of activity.
Graham told us the keys are us "making good decisions, taking your litter home, being careful not to drop cigarettes in wildfire areas, and just being vigilant."
We asked to report any suspicious behaviour and to dial 999 if we see an open fire.
Service preparing to act
Water rescues and dealing with wildfires need specialist equipment and the Fire Service is taking steps to ensure it's ready to respond to any call it gets.
Graham said the specialist water teams are on high alert and they're ensuring they're as available as possible, in case of an emergency. They're doing the same with their wildfire resources, which includes making sure water carriers are ready to go, so firefighters have a plentiful supply of water with which to douse flames.
He told us: "We're making sure that we've got the right resources in the right place to cover this particular risk. And we've got some ongoing work currently with our new Unimog in the Wareham area, which is available for deployment across the counties."