River 'rescue' starts campaign

THE Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has held a river rescue demonstration to kickstart a national water safety campaign.

- OWEN YOUNGER

Firefighters staged the dramatic recovery in the River Tyne on Newcastle Quayside, to highlight essential drowning prevention techniques.

On Monday, officers from the TWFRS fire boat team took part in the demonstration as part of Be Water Aware, which is being delivered by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The campaign is part of a coordinated effort to support the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy, which is aiming for a 50% reduction in accidental drownings by 2026.

The campaign covers essential advice for people near water:

Respect the water. It is stronger than you think.

Cold water can kill.

Stay safe near open water

Know what to do in an emergency.

Float to live.