Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is joining fire and rescue services across the UK in supporting the Chief Fire Officers Association’s (CFOA) Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week 2016, from April 25 to May 1.

The campaign is raising awareness of the every-day dangers of being near water. 44% of people who drowned in 2014 had no intention of entering the water. Trips, falls or underestimating the risks associated with being near water meant that 302 people lost their lives.

By asking people to be ‘water aware’ fire and rescue services aim to reduce the number of fatalities.

Fire and rescue services will be giving advice to people on what they should look out for and how to change their behaviour to minimise their risk of becoming one of these statistics. Messages will be posted on social media using the hashtag #BeWaterAware and people are encouraged to share the posts to spread the message.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Drowning Prevention Week in a number of ways including social media, talking to local running and angling groups and to young drinkers.