Safety education at the forefront for World Drowning Prevention Day
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) marked World Drowning Prevention Day (Friday 25 July) by running a range of events at Box End Park in Kempston to help warn and inform the public and partner agencies of the dangers of open water.
Coinciding with the start of the summer holidays, World Drowning Prevention Day provides the opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and to offer lifesaving solutions to prevent it. The campaign this year is ‘Find your Float’ to recognise that everyone floats differently and by practising how to float in a safe and supported environment, people can learn what floating looks and feels like for them, better preparing them for an emergency situation.
Specially trained firefighters ran the sessions for the public, partner agencies and key community organisations to increase knowledge about water safety. Events included members of the public entering the water to try out ‘find your float’, the Vision VR vehicle showing a water safety video and fire crews demonstrating bankside the correct methods to deploy a throwline with some handy tips for members of the public to try.
In attendance were Bedford White Watch and The Drowning Prevention Group colleagues from Bedfordshire Police and The Royal Lifesaving Society.
In the evening Bedford Corn Exchange and Bedford Fire Station were lit up blue to remember those who have sadly lost their lives in our waters and raise awareness.
Area Commander Rob Hulatt, Head of Prevention and Protection, said “Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, alongside our response partners, decided to use World Drowning Prevention Day as a platform to emphasise water safety messaging on a local level. We know that during the summer people like to get out and enjoy the many rivers and lakes in our county, but we would urge the public to do this safely as one person drowning is one person too many. Get to know how you float so that you can be prepared should the worst happen.
“We also wanted to publicise the numerous throw lines, reach poles and information signage which are situated around bodies of water in the county. If you see someone in trouble do not attempt to get into the water to rescue them yourself, call 999 and ask for the fire service.”
The public are urged to keep an eye out and if they notice a lifebelt along the river that is missing, damaged, or in need of maintenance, please report it promptly to Bedford Borough Council. You can do this using the Council’s simple online reporting form, which takes just a few minutes to complete at www.bedford.gov.uk/rivers. Timely reporting helps ensure lifebelts remain in good condition and available for use to protect residents and visitors near Bedford Borough’s waterways.
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing & Regulatory Services, said, “World Drowning Prevention Day reminds us all of the importance of water safety and collective responsibility. Bedford Borough Council is committed to working with partners and the community to educate, raise awareness, and maintain crucial safety measures like lifebelts to save lives.”
World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on 25 July each year to raise awareness about drowning, a leading cause of death, and to highlight life-saving solutions. Globally, an estimated 236,000 people drown annually, with children and young people disproportionately affected. In the UK, there were 193 accidental drownings in 2024, with more fatalities occurring in inland waters than at the coast, according to the National Water Safety Forum.