Spreading messages on safety near water

Officers from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service are urging residents to be vigilant when out and about near water in the county as they back Drowning Prevention Week.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark McCartyAssistant Chief Fire Officer Mark McCarty
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark McCarty

The week-long campaign organised by The Chief Fire Officers Association, aims to spread water safety messages from April 25 to May 1, in response to the increasing number of water-related fatalities in the UK.

This year, the campaign focuses on the issue of people drowning when slipping or falling into water.

In 2014, there were 633 water-related deaths nationwide.

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Mark McCarty, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Similar to the work that we undertake on road and accident prevention, water safety and drowning prevention can keep residents safe in the county and potentially save lives.

“By backing the campaign we are committed to helping to spread water safety messages and to stressing the importance of taking care near waterways.”

The campaign will highlight some of the issues raised in the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy which aims to reduce the number of drowning deaths by 50 per cent by 2026.

Dave Ledger, chairman of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Authority and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “In Northumberland, we have miles of coastline, rivers and country parks with large lakes and ponds and we want residents to continue to enjoy these locations. Drowning Prevention Week will make sure that residents are aware of the potential risks and now how to stay safe in the county.”