AVON Fire and Rescue Service are backing a national campaign aimed at reducing the number of lives lost in the waterways across the UK.

The service will be joining others across the country taking part in activity to support the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) drowning prevention and water safety week which takes place from April 23-29 23 to Monday 29 April.

The action follows a number of deaths in the waterways in Bristol and Bath in recent years. Each year more than 300 people drown after tripping, falling or just by underestimating the risks associated with being near water. Many more people are left with life changing injuries in water related incidents.

Steve Quinton, the service’s head of community safety, said: “Very sadly every year across the country we lose too many people as a result of accidents in water. This is a risk that all fire and rescue services are working together to reduce.

“In our area a number of those we have lost their lives are young men who have been out enjoying themselves before meeting tragic and untimely ends.

“There is already a huge amount of work taking place in both Bristol and Bath to both educate and protect people, but it’s vital we keep water safety uppermost in the minds of those on a night out.

“We’re extremely grateful to all the bars and clubs that are working with us to educate their customers about the risks but it’s important we concentrate on ensuring long term behavioural change.”

Firefighters have issued advice to those on nights out, including to avoid walking home alongside water after a night out, making sure friends get home safely and to plan journeys ahead before going out.

For more information, visit avonfire.gov.uk/river-water-and-alcohol-dont-mix.