News from our partners: Home and Dry – educating students about water safety

News from our partners West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

Students will be encouraged to get Home and Dry, as a number of agencies unite as part of a continued campaign to improve education around water safety.

Home and Dry – river safety

Professionals from Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, assisted by other members of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Home and Dry Network including RLSS UK, West Mercia Local Policing Teams, West Mercia Search and Rescue and Worcester Street Pastors will lead a demonstration, showing how to perform a throwline rescue, ahead of a new throwline board, being installed in Worcester, in memory of student Tom Jones, who drowned in September 2018.

This event will mark the start of a series of events, targeting students across West Mercia. Throughout this month (September 2019), representatives are visiting Shrewsbury College, Worcester University, the Heart of Worcestershire College, Telford College, Hereford College of Arts, Shrewsbury University Centre and Wolverhampton University’s Telford Campus, distributing materials and raising awareness.

At all events, the Home and Dry Network will also be supporting RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, encouraging people to steer clear of the water, whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Commissioner John Campion said:-

“By giving students the right practical advice, to stick with friends and understand the dangers, we can help to prevent water related deaths. We are taking a united approach, bringing together a range of key professionals to share expertise and improve education, ensuring everyone at risk knows how to keep themselves and others safe.”

Group Commander Mick Cadman of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Risk department, said:-

“We’re asking students to take care at night after visiting river and canal side pubs and bars.

“Look after each other – organise a lift home, or walk with a friend, but don’t walk home alone near open water.

“Be water aware – enjoy being around rivers and canals, but don’t end up in them on a night out.”

The Home and Dry Network are also advising people to fight your basic instinct to thrash about or swim hard when in trouble in cold water; instead stay calm, FLOAT on your back to help control your breathing and keep your airway clear.

For more information on the Home and Dry Campaign, and to take the free online water safety course visit www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/homeanddry