As part of a national push during Drowning Prevention Week, London Fire Brigade is stepping up engagement with communities and local stakeholders to raise awareness of water safety risks.
During a visit to Kingston Fire Station, Sir Ed Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, met local firefighters and observed a live demonstration of the Brigade’s river flume tank. The tank includes a hydraulic flume with a range of features, such as bridges, rocks and weirs to visually demonstrate how water behaves in rivers.
Since its introduction at Twickenham Fire Station last year, the tank has been used across London to show schools, youth groups, communities and stakeholders how even experienced swimmers can quickly get into difficulty in open water. One of the schools in which these demonstrations took place within the past 12 months was at St Mark’s School in Hounslow, where 14-year-old Brian Sasu was a student at the time he sadly drowned in 2022. The demonstration tank has also been used at community events such as open days alongside partners including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
As well as meeting with local crews, Sir Ed Davey joined firefighters at height in the Brigade’s 64-metre turntable ladder, gaining a unique view of Kingston’s riverside areas where emergency rescues have taken place.
Since the start of the year, the Brigade has already responded to more than 280 water-related incidents, averaging 12 incidents every week. This is an increase of over 15 per cent[1] compared to the same period last year. This includes incidents such as sinking and capsized boats, individuals trapped in mud or caught by the tide, and both people and animals in distress in the water. Tragically, 15 of those incidents have resulted in people drowning in London, including teenagers and young adults.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Pam Oparaocha, said: “We’re working closely with MPs, schools, and local communities to help people understand the serious water safety risks as summer approaches.
“With warm weather and school holidays on the horizon, we want people, especially young people, to enjoy our waterways safely, and that starts with education.
“Strong currents, underwater hazards and cold water shock can be deadly. It’s important to know the risks and to familiarise yourself with lifesaving equipment like throwlines, which are available along many of London’s waterways. There’s a wealth of guidance on our website to help people stay safe this summer.”
Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, Jules Pipe, said: “London’s rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, they can contain hidden dangers.
“The Mayor and I are working to improve the capital’s waterways for everyone to enjoy, and I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade’s advice to stay safe in and around water. As the hot weather continues and with the summer holidays looming, this timely work with young people will help save lives and build a safer London for everyone.”