Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging people to stay safe around water as it supports the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Be Water Aware campaign, with specialist crews from Thornaby Fire Station sharing potentially life-saving advice.
Running from Monday 27 April to Sunday 3 May, the campaign highlights the ongoing and preventable risk of accidental drowning.
Between 2019 and 2024, 1,602 people in the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents, with 56% (901) occurring in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Alarmingly, around half of those who drowned had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips and falls identified as a leading cause. The data also shows that 82% of accidental drowning fatalities were men, highlighting the need for greater awareness among those most at risk. The message is clear: water safety starts on land, and simple choices near water can save lives.
Cleveland Fire Brigade is also reinforcing its own message: Don’t Drink and Dive. Alcohol significantly increases the risk around water by affecting judgement, coordination and reaction times, making people more likely to take risks or be unable to respond in an emergency.
Thornaby Fire Station is home to the Brigade’s specialist water rescue team, which provides cover across the Brigade’s area, including sections of the River Tees. The team also supports flood response and delivers water safety and familiarisation training to firefighters.
As part of this year’s campaign, water rescue specialists have created a series of safety videos which will be shared across social media to raise awareness and promote safer behaviour near water.
The Brigade is urging the public to remember the following advice:
- Don’t drink and dive
- Float to Live if you fall into water
- In an emergency: Phone, Float, Throw
- Phone 999 to get help
- Tell the person in the water to float
- Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring
- Cold water kills
- Avoid entering water unnecessarily
Cold water shock remains a significant danger, even on warm days. Entering cold water can cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and panic, which can quickly lead to drowning.
Group Manager, Head of Prevention and Engagement Richie Brown said:
“Many people don’t realise how dangerous water can be, even on warm, sunny days. Alcohol and water significantly increases the risk around water by affecting judgement and coordination, which is why the message is clear – don’t drink and dive.
We’re asking people to take simple precautions, plan a safe route home, stay away from rivers, lakes and the coast, and never underestimate the effects of cold water. One small decision near water can have devastating consequences, but many of these incidents are preventable.”
By sharing these messages, Cleveland Fire Brigade is working to reduce water‑related incidents and support its commitment to protecting people, places and futures.
