North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

Although it’s drowning prevention week this week, it’s important you’re water aware all year including when you’re on holiday at home or abroad. Always be aware of rip tides and currents that can drag you out to sea and take a minute to find a lifeguarded beach. Find out more about riptides here https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/ri p-currents #BeWaterAware

During this Water Safety Week we want to raise awareness of the risk of accidental drowning.
Drowning is amongst the leading causes of accidental death in the UK. In 2017, 255 people accidentally drowned in UK; 100 were found to have drugs or alcohol in their system. In 50% of these accidental deaths people weren’t even taking part in water-based activities and statistics show that 106 people who accidentally drowned in 2017, were simply running or walking near water.
Men... also account for the greatest number of deaths from accidental drowning.
Don't become a statistic, #BeWaterAware
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This video highlights all the specialist clothing and protection we wear near open water to help keep us safe. As the weather starts to warm up don’t be tempted to go for a dip in rivers and lakes. Please stick to lifeguard patrolled beaches or swimming pools. #BeWaterAware

This drowning prevention week we are reminding people to take care near open water. 106 people died in 2017 because they fell in the water whilst out for a run or a walk . If you saw someone in the water would you know what to do? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwPExdYMZ 3s #BeWaterAware

Here are some videos kindly sent to us by a member of the public, of our York crews rescuing a gosling from a first floor balcony in York over the weekend. One gosling had already fallen from the balcony, before crews arrival but thankfully had survived the fall. Crew used a 13.5m ladder to access the balcony and placed the remaining gosling in a bucket and returned him to the ground. Both goslings were reunited with their parents.

This video shows the rescued gosling being reunited with its parents.

This week we are supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC) Be Water Aware campaign which runs from 29th April - 5 May 2019 and is a national campaign which aims to highlight the risk of accidental drowning.
Half of accidental drownings happened in 2017 when people didn't even intend to go in the water. Activities such as running, walking, fishing and cycling near water can put you at risk of drowning.
In 2017:... • 255 people accidentally drowned in the UK • Around 50% of these people just happened to be near water • About 85% of these fatalities were male • In addition 75 UK nationals, mainly tourists, drowned whilst abroad in 2017
Our advice is: • If you are going for a walk or run near water stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the waters edge • Make sure conditions are safe, avoid walking or running near water in the dark, slippery or in bad weather • If you've had alcohol don't enter the water, avoid walking alone and avoid routes near water • Never enter the water to try and help a person or animal - always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available • If you are spending time near water - whether at home or abroad make sure you are familiar with local safety information and children are fully supervised
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With the warm weather set to continue please don't be tempted to go for a dip in rivers and lakes. We know they may look like tempting places to cool off but they can be full of hidden dangers and are likely to be much colder than they look. Cold water shock can cause loss of strength and muscle coordination even for strong swimmers. If you fancy a swim please head to lifeguard patrolled beaches or your local swimming pool.
If you’re near open water and accidentally fall in float to increase your chances of survival. If you see someone else in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the fire service inland or the coastguard at the coast.

It looks like it's going to be a nice bank holiday weekend. If you're planning a trip to the countryside please follow our safety advice and help to keep it safe:
• Only light fires including barbecues in safe, designated areas. • Put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly before you leave your vehicle. • Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows- they could start a fire and ruin the surrounding countryside.... • Don't leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take then home or put them in a waste or recycling bin. • If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately by calling 999 and asking for the fire service
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If you haven't already done so please have your say on our future priorities and help shape the future of the Service. Find out more and complete the survey here https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/‚Ä ¶/commissioner-laun‚Ķ/

Please have your say to help shape our future priorities https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FireandRe scue/

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is consulting on the future priorities of the fire service. Please complete the survey and help shape our future. You can find out more and complete the survey here https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/‚Ä ¶/commissioner-laun‚Ķ/

Do you have working smoke alarms in your home? What about your friends and family, do they have smoke alarms in their homes? Working smoke alarms provide early warning of a fire and give you time to escape. We would recommend fitting at least one alarm on every level of your home. You can buy smoke alarms from most DIY stores or online retailers.
If you or someone you know would benefit from some safety advice in your home, you can book a free home fire safety visit either online http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/communit …/fire-safety-visit or by calling 01609 788545.
You can also find out more about smoke alarms on our website here http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/communit ysafe…/smoke-alarms

This National campaign raises awareness of a system to help people alert police when in imminent danger but unable to speak. The Silent Solution system enables a 999 mobile caller who is too scared to make a noise, or speak, to press 55 when prompted – to inform police they are in a genuine emergency.

Over the last few days we've been to a few incidents involving pans/food being left unattended on the hob or in the oven. Please take care when you're cooking, it's easy to get distracted and make sure you turn ovens/hobs/grills off when you've finished cooking.

Come and see us and a number of other emergency services in York tomorrow between 12noon and 6pm. We'll be on Coney Street.

BBC Radio York visited our fire station at Scarborough. You can have a listen and find out more about the work we do here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0725v5c

Have your say on the future of the Fire Service üöí. Please visit http://telljulia.com and complete the survey