Fire engines across Cleveland are ‘going blue’ this Thursday to raise awareness of World Drowning Prevention Day.
To show our support and promote crucial water safety messages, Cleveland Fire Brigade will turn on their fire engines’ blue lights for two minutes at 9:30am on Thursday 25th July.
Tragically, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, with risks increasing during the summer holidays and warmer weather. In 2023, sadly 236 people lost their lives to accidental drowning in the UK with more people dying at inland waters than at the coast.
Craig Strike, Head of Prevention and Engagement at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We are proud to support World Drowning Prevention Day and stand in solidarity with communities globally to help prevent these tragic incidents.
By flashing our blue lights, we hope to draw people’s attention to our water safety messages and encourage everyone to take steps to #BeWaterAware this summer.
We know in the summer months more people will be in and around water, so with the schools broken up and the warmer weather finally here, we want people to enjoy the water but to do so safely.”
Please follow our simple tips to help stay safe this summer:
- Stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge
- Don’t enter the water after drinking alcohol
- Walk a safe route home after drinking, with friends and away from water
- Cold water shock can kill, walking into the water rather than jumping in can help reduce the risk
The Brigade also want to remind the public to learn the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency as statistics show that many people don’t expect their time near water to turn into an emergency, so knowing what to do could save a life. If you see someone in trouble in the water, the best way you can help is by staying calm, staying on land, and following the 3-step rescue guide – Call, Tell, Throw.
- Call 999 for the emergency services (if inland ask for the Fire Service, if at the coast ask for the Coastguard)
- Tell the struggling person to float on their back
- Throw them something that floats
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to ‘Float to Live’. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and breathe normally. Move your hands to help stay afloat. Spread your arms and legs out. Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety.
