Avon Fire & Rescue hosts water safety event in Bath
The free public event aims to raise awareness on water safety skills
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is hosting a free “Be Water Aware” event in Bath to promote water safety in light of alarming statistics surrounding accidental drownings.
Taking place on Saturday 25th April at Brunel Square, the event promises engaging activities, including throw line demonstrations and interactive sessions with firefighters to impart vital water safety skills.
Recent data shows that 1,602 individuals in the UK died from accidental drowning between 2019 and 2024, highlighting a need to sensitize people on water-related risks.
Half of accidental drownings involved individuals with no plan to enter the water, further stressing the importance of safety awareness.
Significantly, 46% of drowning cases among 18 to 25-year-olds involved alcohol or drugs, according to research by the Royal Life Saving Society using WAID data.
“With the River Avon running through the heart of Bath, it is vital to raise awareness of the risks associated with open water, particularly as warmer weather approaches," said Jacq Hardwick, Water Safety Lead for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
"This event is designed to equip the public with knowledge of how to keep themselves and others safe in and around our waterways, along with the confidence of knowing how to respond should something go wrong.”
The event emphasizes life-saving tips such as the Float to Live technique and caution against entering the water under the influence of substances.
Attendees are reminded to call 999 in emergencies and utilise River Rescue Cabinets around Bath.
Part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s annual Be Water Aware campaign, running from 27th April to 3rd May, the event seeks to spotlight the preventable nature of accidental drownings across the country.