Young people across East Herts receive water safety training

Hundreds of young people in East Herts have taken part in specialist workshops, to help educate them on the dangers of open water and how to stay safe.

The sessions were delivered by the Herts Water Safety Partnership* in the weeks leading up to the summer holidays and taught school children valuable lifesaving and survival skills.

To coincide with Drowning Prevention Week (17 – 21 June), 220 Scouts and Cubs from Ware took part in a week of water safety education at Ware Lido.

During a two-hour workshop, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Prevention Officer Pearl Devonshire spoke about the dangers of inland water and cold water shock, as well as peer pressure, anti-social behaviour around waterways and the impact of criminal damage to lifesaving equipment.

Representatives from the fire service demonstrated some of the equipment they use for water searches and retrieval, how to use lifesaving equipment situated on riverbanks and tow paths and how to call for help using 999 and What Three Words.

Hertfordshire Boat Rescue talked about basic, land-based rescue skills, how to rescue someone safely and what to do if you get into difficulty in water - including float to live techniques. They also demonstrated how they safely rescue people, with the children being able to experience lifesaving techniques in the water.

The workshop was followed by a Q&A session to test the children’s newfound knowledge, before they were presented with certificates.

In addition, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team joined Pearl to give water safety talks to students at Chauncy School in Ware and Edwinstree School in Buntingford earlier this month.

Crime Prevention Officer Pearl Devonshire said: “Traditionally, as the weather gets warmer, we tend to see an increase in reports of young people jumping into open water. While this can be a tempting way to cool down on a hot day, there are several hidden dangers that people are not always aware of, which can have devastating consequences.

“Sadly, we also see an increase in damage to vital lifesaving equipment located on tow paths.

“The aim of these sessions was to educate young people, to help them make the best choices and know what to do should they ever find themselves or someone else needing help.

“The feedback from children, leaders and teachers has been amazing and we’ve been invited back to deliver further presentations to new students. I’d like to thank the fantastic team at Ware Lido for letting us use their facilities and everyone who has engaged with us.”

*The Herts Water Safety Partnership works alongside the Robbie Lea Water Safety Partnership and comprises representatives from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, East Herts Council, Broxbourne Borough Council, Parkguard, Park Rangers, Lee Valley Regional Park, the Black Swimming Association, Crucial Crew and the Canal and River Trust.