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Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has launched a water safety campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with open water and accidental drowning.

Crews will offer safety advice and information on what to do in an emergency as part of the their Be Water Aware campaign.

Station commander Gary Bryant said people "underestimate the dangers" and situations can quickly become life-threatening.

He said: “We see far too many incidents of people encountering difficulties in Surrey’s waters, especially during the warmer months.”

According to data from the Water Incident Database, 40% of people who accidentally drowned in 2022-2023 had no intention of entering the water.

As part of the campaign, the fire service is urging people to follow the ‘Call, Tell, Throw’ advice, which entails calling 999, telling the individual to float on their back and throwing a flotation device.

Mr Bryant said: “It is easy for people to underestimate the dangers.

“Even for those who are strong swimmers or the water is perceived to be shallow, factors such as hidden hazards beneath the surface or the risk of cold-water shock can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations.”

A water safety event is due to be held at Virginia Water on 28 April where practical guidance on managing water-related emergencies and live demonstrations in the water will take place.

The Be Water Aware campaign runs between 22 and 28 April.

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