Suffolk businesses trained how to rescue someone from water
An event was held yesterday teaching local businesses how to safely rescue someone from the water
All the emergency services together
Author: Jasmine OakPublished 4th May 2022 Last updated 4th May 2022
The RNLI is working with emergency services and Suffolk businesses to spread awareness of water rescues.
Yesterday the services came together in Lowestoft to teach local businesses near water how to use a throw line.
Each business will be given a throw line, so if an accident occurs the person in danger can get help, without others being in danger.
Luke Wilkinson a Firefighter from Lowestoft South Fire Station told us why training like this is important.
"Around 450 people die a year from drowning and 50% of those people had no intention of getting into the water."
We spoke to Liam Fayle-Parr from RNLI who told us that people should not get in the water and attempt a recue but instead follow Talk, Reach, Throw.
Talk Reach Throw are the three steps you should follow, should someone fall into the water.
Talk: You should stay on land and try to speak to who ever is in the water, make sure they know they need to float of their back.
Reach: If you are able to reach the person, by using items around, such as a broom, use this to pull them in.
Throw: When someone is further away, a throw line can be used. The person in the water can hold onto the line while floating on their back facing away from the shore and be pulled in by those on land.
Teaching local businesses this also spreads awareness about reminding people not to attempt a rescue by going into the water themselves.
Pete Brown from the Fire service believe doing this will help to save lives.
They are organising more sessions like this around the county so that more people and businesses are prepared.
Pictures from the training day in Lowestoft:
Firefighters playing victim, water safety
Firefighters playing victim, water safety
Firefighters playing victim, water safety
Suffolk businesses trained how to rescue someone from water
