Water Safety Partnership marks first anniversary since formation

Members of Cumbria’s Water Safety Partnership came together one year on from the group’s creation at an event to reflect on the important work done so far and identify new ways to share vital water safety advice.

The event was hosted by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, which has led the partnership, at its Penrith headquarters, with representation from partners including the RNLI, Royal Life Saving Society, HM Coastguard, Cumbria Association of Secondary Headteachers, Lake District National Park Authority, Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, and Cumbria Constabulary.

Paul Milburn, Group Manager for Prevention and Protection at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “In just 12 months we have already achieved a great deal and that has been driven by a desire to make a difference from every individual and organisation involved.

“Now that we have got that foundation, we can move forward practically, working together and having a common goal of preventing all water-related deaths, because one is too many.”

David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, added: “It is great to see colleagues from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Cumbria Constabulary, and many other key partners across Cumbria share their knowledge, passion and expertise to save lives. I’m passionate about water safety, having grown up in the Lakes and being a keen paddleboarder, and I will support their vital work in any way I can.

“This partnership undoubtedly makes our communities, our residents and the visitors to our fantastic county safer and will enable as many people as possible to enjoy our waters – whether in the beautiful Lake District or on our wonderful coastline – in a safe and responsible way.”

A minute’s silence was observed to remember the man in his 20s who sadly lost his life at Ullswater last month – which was a tragic reminder of the importance of the partnership – before the floor was opened to members to speak.

The partnership’s vital work so far has included data analysis to better understand high-risk areas across the county, and targeted campaigns to share key safety messages.

This has included the ‘Float to Live’ technique – in which the person in difficulty in the water should lie on their back with their head tilted back and arms outstretched to help control their breathing and stay afloat.

Members have also visited schools to deliver advice to more than 1,000 secondary school pupils, promoted the educational platform StayWise, and improved their understanding of younger age groups.

Andy Peacock, Senior Coastal Operations Officer at HM Coastguard, said: "We want people to come home from a trip to the Cumbria coast and the Lake District safely and with happy memories.

“This partnership is all about sharing expertise, support and advice to help make that happen, and we're proud to be a member."

Jack Holmes, Lead Lake Ranger for the Lake District National Park Authority and on-call firefighter, said: “The partnership has been vital in bringing together the collective expertise and resources that we have across the county for a common goal of making sure people enjoy our waters responsibly.”

Jack Wilson, volunteer with the Royal Life Saving Society, said: “A more joined-up approach to improve education, harness the existing energy, and identify problems can only benefit Cumbrians and visitors to our county.”

If you find yourself in trouble in the water remember to Float to Live:

• Tilt your head back with ears submerged
• Relax and breathe normally
• Move your hands to help stay afloat
• Spread your arms and legs out

Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety

• If someone else is in trouble in the water:
• Call 999 for the emergency services
• Tell the person to float on their back
• Throw them something that floats

Be wary of hidden dangers under the water and cold water shock, which can both get even strong swimmers into difficulty.