The fire service have issued a warning after multiple people were rescued from Bristol's harbour over the Easter weekend. Over the four-day period, four people needed assistance, one of whom was drunk.
Whilst out training on Good Friday, crews from Bedminster station came across an intoxicated individual, who had found himself unexpectedly in the water. Crews were able to rescue the man from the harbour.
Then, overnight on the same day, Bedminster crews were called out yet again and attended the docks to rescue a further two individuals during the night. And on Saturday, fire crews rescued a 60-year-old man in the early hours of the morning after he fell off his canoe.
Read more: Man 'lucky to be alive' after he was found clinging to pontoon at 5am in Bristol harbour
According to the fire service, almost half the number of people who end up in difficulty did not intend to enter the water. From June 2019 to June 2021, the fire service was called to over 70 incidents involving water in Bristol, and 26 of them caused serious injury or death.
Temporary area manager for risk reduction, Steve Quinton said: “Our service area is full of beauty spots, popular for picnics, water sports and other recreational activities. We want local residents to enjoy the local area, whilst heeding water safety advice.
“At AF&RS, we’re acutely aware of the dangers that waterways pose to our communities and know all too well the consequences that risk-taking can have. Knowing how to reduce your risk, and what to do in a crisis will allow you to have a safe summer beside the water.”
The call for greater water safety awareness comes as part of the upcoming National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Be Water Aware campaign which runs from April 25 until May 1. The campaign aims to warn people of the risk of accidentally drowning when in and around water.
Nearly 50 percent of people who accidentally drowned in 2020 had no intention of entering the water. According to the fire service, many people underestimate the risk of jumping into cold water.
A spokesperson for the service said: "Even on a warm day, the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing a physical reaction which can make it difficult to control breathing. This can cause panic and make it difficult to swim.
"If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, don’t panic, fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back in the water and float on your back until the effects of cold-water shock pass. Then you can call for help or swim to safety.
"If someone is in trouble in water, call 999. At the coast ask for the coastguard. If you are inland, ask for the fire service. You should never enter the water to attempt a rescue."
Swimming in any part of Bristol Harbour is banned unless the Harbour Master has given consent, according to the Bristol City Council website.
For more water safety advice, you can visit the AF&RS website.
