Fire & Rescue Services collaborate to keep local people safe near water

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Wednesday, 05 May 2021 08:40
On Be Water Aware Week 2021 (26 April – 2 May) Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) collaborated with colleagues from across the border to provide essential water rescue training.
 
Water rescue experts from Bath Fire Station taught Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service the benefits of AF&RS water rescue capabilities and equipment, including animal rescue apparatus and practical demonstrations of the kit. The day highlighted the importance of partnership working and provided crews from Dorset & Wiltshire with increased awareness of our Services capability and equipment should they require our assistance in the future.
 
Station Manager Sean Spearing said: “During 2019 there were 223 deaths in the UK due to accidental drowning, and 44% of those were in inland waters. This partnership was even more poignant during Be Water Aware Week as we continue to encourage residents to keep safe near the water.
 
“When crews share their knowledge and enthusiasm to neighbouring services, we can build positive partnerships and ensure a collaborative approach to keeping our communities safe.”
 
At the end of the day, a friendly competition ensued between the two Fire & Rescue Services involving throw lines and moving targets.
 
Following the visit, crews from Dorset & Wiltshire fed back that the sessions were informative and look forward to returning to AF&RS in June for another training exercise.