A WATER safety session was held on the banks of the River Thames last weekend, and saw emergency services share potentially life-saving tips.
The event was held in Caversham and was organised by the North Reading Safer Neighbourhood Forum (SNF), which works to improve public safety in Caversham alongside the council and Thames Valley Police.
Staff from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) welcomed people to the 1st Reading Sea Scouts base in The Warren for the session on Saturday, June 17.
Nick Haskins, the chairman of North Reading SNF spoke about the success of the event and how simple life saving methods can be without putting rescuers at risk.
He spoke of the ‘Float to Live’ principle, which encourages people to stay afloat as much as possible.
“In the first couple of minutes [after entering the water] it’s very important to stay afloat,” he explained.
“You can go into shock and become petrified because of the cold water, but if you float you can get over that. You also need people to actually know how to free you.
“What we are trying to do is emulate what is being done elsewhere to educate people how to save others. The throwlines used are really simple and effective.”
He added: “One of the firefighters went into the water and had a young man aged 11 who threw the line and was able to draw the firefighter in. It just goes to show all you need is simple tools to save lives.
“Having the throwlines means people won’t enter the water and risk putting themselves in danger.”
The session was championed by Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) lead councillor for community safety, who said it was “a really really successful event”. Also attending was Cllr Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights).
Jess James, area manager for RBFRS, said: “As temperatures continue to rise, along with the temptation to cool off in open water, we were delighted to work with the North of Reading SNF team to promote water safety awareness.
“During the day, the crew carried out some throwline practice and shared advice on what to do should the worst happen on our waterways in Berkshire.
“We ask everyone to remember – call (999), tell, throw. If you do see someone in difficulty remember those three words – call 999, tell the person to float on their back and throw something to them to help them float – can help save lives.
“You should never enter the water to try and save someone, even if you are a strong swimmer.
“Throughout the summer, our crews will be visiting Berkshire’s waterways to promote water safety awareness and will be on hand to answer any questions. Alternatively, you can always visit your local fire station for more advice and information.”
The forum wants throwlines to be installed at 50 metre intervals along waterways, including the River Kennet and the Foundry Brook
For more details, email: nicknrsnf@gmail.com or message: @NorthReadingSNF on Twitter.
