FIREFIGHTERS in South Gloucestershire and Bristol will be helping people to be safe near water in support of next week’s Water Safety Week.

As part of the national campaign, crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service will be attending a number of events to highlight the dangers and give advice about how to stay safe.

Crews from Bedminster and Portishead will join other partners including RNLI, HM Coastguard and South Western Ambulance Service at Portishead Open Air Pool for a Water Safety Day on Saturday, April 23.

On Monday, April 25, to kick off Water Safety Week, crews from Bath will simulate a rescue from the River Avon in Bath to highlight the fact that 44 per cent of drowning victims had no intention of entering the water.

On average firefighters trained in water rescue at Bath Fire Station attend one water related incident every month.

Later that day firefighters will join Dorset and Wiltshire FRS to give a presentation on water and boat fire safety at The Jolly Sailor pub in Saltford from 8pm.

Station manager at Bath and lead for water rescue at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, Rob Seaman, said: “As the weather warms up we want people to enjoy themselves safely when they are near water.

“Rivers, canals and open water can present a real danger as the water can be extremely cold, and if people have been drinking alcohol, that can dramatically affect the reactions of even the strongest swimmer.

“We are urging people to find out more about how to be safe by water by coming to one of our events or visit our website at www.avonfire.gov.uk ”