Water safety training keeps crews up-to-date with lifesaving skills

Rescuing people who are struggling in open water is an incredibly challenging task – which is why we have dedicated crews across the county who are trained to do it.

All eight Watches at our Mereway and Wellingborough stations keep their skills up to date to ensure they are fully equipped to operate safely in those tough circumstances.

 

Our water trained firefighters – or swift-water rescue technicians to give them their professional title – are taught the correct methods to wade into water, search for hidden hazards and how to use our water rescue boats. They also hone different swimming techniques and learn how to manage casualties in the water.

The Service has recently worked in partnership with the Compton Estate and Falcon Hotel in Castle Ashby, which has kindly offered its grounds as a venue for our crews to conduct their practical training exercises over the last few weeks.

Training managers Tony Labrum (pictured above) and Casey Waldock (pictured below) have been putting crews through their paces.

Tony said: “All eight of our water rescue crews receive regular training to update and maintain their skills in water rescue. Our training covers a variety of techniques in both shallow and deep water, to ensure we can keep the people of Northamptonshire safe when they need us.

“We would always encourage members of the public to only ever swim in dedicated areas where there is a trained lifeguard to minimise any risks, but if you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service will be there to help you.”

If you ever find yourself struggling in the open water, try and remember these three things:

• Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
• Relax and float on your back to catch your breath. Try to get hold of something that will help you float.
• Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able to.

For more water safety advice, please look at our Be Water Aware tips, here