“Get home safely”: Avon Fire and Rescue Services’ message to partygoers this festive season

As festive celebrations are already well underway, Avon Fire and Rescue Service is calling on local people and visitors to our area to celebrate responsibly and stay safe when out near water. The Service is proud to once again support the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS) ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ campaign, which aims to prevent tragic accidents involving alcohol and open water.

Over the last six years, almost half of the accidental drownings of 18-25 year olds were substance-related (WAID, 2018-2023).

If you’re out celebrating this festive period, remember plan head, stay with friends, and ensure everyone has a safe route home.

Jacq Hardwick, Water Safety Lead at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We see the devastating consequences of people underestimating the risks posed by water, particularly when alcohol is involved. Cold water, slippery banks, and impaired judgement can lead to tragic accidents. We’re urging everyone to take care this festive season – the best nights out always end with getting home safely.”

Follow our advice to help get everyone home safe:

• Plan your homeward journey in advance. Know how you’re getting home and stick to your plan.
• Avoid walking near water after drinking. Alcohol impairs your balance, coordination, and judgement, making it easy to fall into water.
• Remember NO friend left behind, go together, stay together, get home together.
• NEVER enter the water yourself. If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the fire service or coastguard.

Jacq added: “We also want to remind people of the dangers of cold-water shock and knowing the importance of ‘Float to Live’.”

For more information on staying safe near water, visit Avon Fire and Rescue Services’ Water Safety advice.

If you would like to know more about the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS) ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ campaign, please visit their website where they have useful information and resources.