Bedminster becomes home to water safety inspired fire engine

13 people accidentally drowned in Bristol alone between 2014 and 2022, according to the Water Incident Database (WAID). Hoping to see further deaths prevented, Avon Fire & Rescue Services innovative design brings to life simple advice that can save lives, featuring striking colours and key messages to catch the attention of those passing by.

“I am so pleased to welcome this newly designed truck into our fleet.

“The dangers of water are a real concern for us, and spreading key safety advice is just one of the ways that we are working to help people reduce their risk of drowning.”

Group Manager Russ Mitchell

With three panels, the design covers important water safety points:

• Respect the water. You never know how cold, how deep, or how dangerous the water is, so do not go in when it is not safe to do so.
• If you fall in, float to live. Stretch out your arms and legs and lie back in the water. Breathe slowly and fight your instinct to panic and thrash about. Once your breathing is under control, call for help.
• If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999. Do not enter the water to help them yourself, instead offer help from a safe distance away from the edge such as throwing them a floatation aid or throwline which can be retrieved from any of the River Rescue SOS stations along the waterways in Bath or Bristol.

Russ added: “Whilst we strongly urge you not to enter the water where it is unsafe to do so, we know that sometimes people do fall in, and so knowing what to do if you or someone else gets into difficulty is vital.”

This fire engine is the second in a series of water safety themed designs, launched by the Service to support their objective of reducing drownings in local waterways. The Service would like to thank WithPrint and Shades Wraps for their help in bringing their design to life.