North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces to launch a series of new water safety videos aimed at helping people stay safe in and around water this summer.
The videos feature North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighter Toni and highlight the dangers that can be hidden beneath the surface of rivers and lakes. They encourage people to understand the risks and take simple steps to keep themselves and others safe. The videos form part of a wider effort to reduce the number of water-related incidents across North Yorkshire and raise awareness of how quickly situations can become dangerous.
The videos can be viewed on the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website Water Safety Campaign – North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and will be shared on both organisation’s social media accounts over the summer. They build on the campaign videos produced with record-breaking adventure Jasmine Harrison Adventurer backs safety campaign to warn of dangers of water.
Water safety advice
During periods of warm weather, open water can seem like an appealing way to cool down. However, every year emergency services attend incidents involving people who have found themselves in difficulty in the water, sometimes with tragic consequences.
Residents and visitors are being urged to take extra care and understand the risks before entering the water. Hidden objects, strong currents, cold water shock and sudden changes in depth can all pose serious dangers, even to confident swimmers.
If you choose to enter the water, do so gradually to allow your body time to adjust to the temperature. Ideally choose supervised locations with lifeguards whenever possible. Always pay attention to warning signs and safety information, avoid swimming alone, and make sure someone knows where you are.
If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard if you’re at the coast, or the Fire and Rescue Service if you’re inland. Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue yourself.
