Following several tragic drowning incidents over the last few years, including this year both in Lancashire itself and involving Lancashire residents in other locations, could the message below the line and attachments (a short ‘Float To Live’ film link made by the RNLI is also included within the message) please be sent out via your usual communication channels, including traditional (if still possible), e-mail newsletters and social media platforms, to help make your young people and their families aware of the risks of entering open water, particularly where it is not organised and at unauthorised locations which are usually unsupervised.
Drowning Prevention - stay safe near water from The Lancashire Water Safety Partnership
When the warm weather hits, please don’t be tempted to cool off by jumping into open water, particularly from height -
• The water is colder than it looks, even on a warm evening or sunny day
• This can lead to cold water shock
• Currents may be stronger than they look and even hidden
• There are often hidden dangers beneath the surface and water can be polluted
If you see someone in trouble in the water:
• Call 999;
• Tell them not to panic and, if they can’t stand, to float on their back in a starfish shape. When calmer, encourage them towards you.
• Throw them something that floats or a throw/life line
World Drowning Prevention Day (Friday July 25) World Drowning Prevention Day - 25 July (rnli.org)
To help raise awareness, landmarks across the whole of Lancashire are being lit blue on the Thursday evening. Please look out for those that take part to remind us that ‘anyone can drown, no one should’. In previous years these have included Blackpool Tower, Fleetwood Marine Hall, Lytham Windmill, Chorley Town Hall, Ormskirk Clock Tower, Skelmersdale Light Cube, Rivington Pike and the Pigeon Tower. We will post further details and confirm the locations nearer the time on our Social Media Platforms. We would love to see your photos of them, so if you spot any (only the buildings though please – try not to include people sorry) you can send the pictures to - preventionsupport@lancsfirerescue.org.uk
You can find really good practical water safety advice for all different situations from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and partner organisations by clicking on this link Water Safety | Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (lancsfirerescue.org.uk)