CHESHIRE firefighters are joining colleagues across the country to raise awareness of the dangers of everyday activities near water, as part of a national safety campaign.

The National Fire Chiefs Council Water Safety and Drowning Prevention campaign, ‘Be Water Aware’, is running from April 24 to 30, and will help highlight the fact that 50 per cent of people who accidentally drown in the UK never intended to enter the water.

Latest statistics show that, in 2015, 321 people died after tripping, falling or simply underestimating the risks associated with being near water.

The fire service has successfully reduced the number of fire deaths by focusing on prevention work and now it says it ‘must apply the same principle to tackling drowning’.

Nick Evans, head of prevention at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We were called to 17 incidents in 2016 where people needed rescuing from water. Nine of these people suffered from hypothermia as a result of being in the water.

“We want people to enjoy spending time around water, but we want them to do it safely. Firefighters and other emergency services risk their own safety to rescue people who get into difficulties on our waterways, so it’s important that people take extra care and keep everyone safe.”

Dawn Whittaker, NFCC’s water safety leader, added: “Most people would be shocked to hear that those people drowning just happen to be near water such as runners, walkers and anglers. They are unaware of the risks and are totally unprepared for the scenario of ending up in the water. By highlighting this issue and making sure simple safety messages reach them we hope to reduce the number of these needless deaths.”

Here are Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s tips to stay safe:

  •  Only swim as part of an organised group
  •  Never go swimming alone n Never drink alcohol around water
  •  Know your limits – the cold can kill
  •  Don’t ignore the safety signs – it could cost you your life