The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have teamed up with organisations within Nottinghamshire’s Water Safety Partnership to prevent any incidents from happening.
Drowning Prevention week started on Saturday 19 June and finishes on Saturday 26 June.
Throughout the week, the Fire & Rescue service will have a presence around Holme Pierrepont National Watersports Centre and Colwick Country Park.
The service wants people to enjoy water safely and know what to do in an emergency.
Bryn Coleman, Area Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Although being in and around water can be fun, it can also be extremely dangerous.
“Even when the weather is warm, it doesn’t always mean the water is. Immediately after jumping or falling into water your movements are likely to be impaired due to the cold, and it is likely you will be gasping due to the shock of the temperature.
“This summer we urge you to be safe around water, as fun can very quickly turn into tragedy.
“We ask that if you see someone in water, that you don’t go in after them. Call the Emergency Services and encourage the casualty to float.
“Having What3Words downloaded is also beneficial, as it will give the control room the exact location of an incident, which helps especially with incidents involving water.”
Around 44% of accidental drownings happen between May and August and more than 46% of people who get in trouble in water, never even intended to be in the water.
Inspector Chris Pearson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It is really important that people stay away from open water as we don’t want families to suffer the devastation of losing a loved one.
“We are urging people to stay safe over the summer by making themselves and their children aware of the dangers.
“When the weather is warm, it’s tempting to jump in to cool off, but this can endanger your life and the lives of others if they then enter the water to help you.
“Water can be deep, unpredictable and contain hidden dangers. There are still lots of things to do safely near open water sites.
“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun or discourage people from enjoying the activities some sites provide – but please be safe and stay out of the water unless you know the site is properly supervised and there is adequate rescue cover.”
Cllr Rosemary Healy, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport & Cleansing Services said: “While swimming in open water can seem tempting during hot weather, there are many hidden dangers.
“The water may look calm on the surface, but there may still be strong undercurrents that could pull even the strongest swimmers under.
“The water may also feel relatively warm on the surface, but just a few feet below it will be icy cold even in hot weather and can very quickly cause severe cramp and hypothermia.
“For those wanting to swim we run great supervised sessions at Colwick Country Park.”
For more safety tips visit https://www.notts-fire.gov.uk/home
Image credit: Chris Morgan
