Wakefield Council is co-ordinating Water Safety Week as part of the wider Wakefield District Water Safety Group, which includes WYFRS, West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Water, Canal and River Trust, Vico Homes and Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
WYFRS crews will be running a series of planned activities designed to help people understand the dangers of open water and what actions they can take in an emergency.
Dave Burland, Assistant District Commander at WYFRS, said: “Firefighters too often see how a day by the water can turn into tragedy. We’re really pleased to be working with Wakefield Council to help highlight water safety information and to show people how quickly things like cold water shock can affect them.
“We’d encourage anyone around during the week to come down and see us. We have lots of information and demonstrations to share that can hopefully prevent incidents before they happen.”
Tony Reeves, Chief Executive at Wakefield Council says “We are very fortunate to have some beautiful stretches of water in our district. But, as inviting as they may seem, they are not safe to enter.
“We’ve done a lot to raise awareness of the dangers of open water. But people still take big risks and we’re only ever one wrong decision away from another local family experiencing an avoidable tragedy. Younger people are particularly at risk. The loss of life is heartbreaking and the impact on family and friends is devastating. We never want to see that happen again.
“I urge people to be aware of the dangers and to know how to look after both themselves and others by learning essential life-saving techniques. Come along to one of the sessions that we are running and find out how to keep safe.”
The demonstrations are taking place at each location between 11am and 2pm:
Monday 25 May - Swan and Cygnet (Bob Lake): Throwline, water flume, cold water shock, CPR
Wednesday 27 May - The Hepworth Wakefield: Bankside Responder Scheme, water flume
Thursday 28 May - Pugneys Country Park: Throwline, water flume, CPR
Friday 29 May - Anglers Country Park: Throwline, water flume
Saturday 30 May - Swan and Cygnet (Bob Lake): Throwline, water flume, cold water shock, CPR
- Water flume: This device simulates the flow of water in different situations, demonstrating how features such as weirs or submerged debris and plants can create strong currents and dangerous traps.
- Cold water shock: This demonstration shows the body’s natural involuntary reactions on suddenly entering cold water, highlighting how it can overwhelm even strong swimmers and lead to drowning. Volunteers will be able to plunge into a pool of water in a safe and controlled environment.
- Throwline and CPR: Training will be given on how to use a throwline rescue device to someone in difficulty in the water and how to deliver CPR.
- Bankside Responder Scheme: Businesses bordering the waterways by The Hepworth Wakefield are encouraged to sign up to the Bankside Responder Scheme, which trains staff to act as first responders.
The Wakefield District Water Safety Group hopes that families, teenagers, dog walkers and regular users of the district’s parks and waterways will come along to the activities.
WYFRS is also appealing to workers at businesses close to stretches of water to get involved, in particular those on Calder Park near to the Wetlands Nature Reserve and Bob Lake, and those close to the river and canal by The Hepworth Wakefield.
Full details of dates, times, locations and activities for Water Safety Week can be found HERE.