RLSS Lifesaver, Lifechanger

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is supporting the launch of the RLSS UK’s free, online water safety toolkit which teaches families how to enjoy the water, safely.

The ‘Lifesaver-Lifechanger’ toolkit, launched today  (22 April) during NFCC’s drowning prevention and water sfaety week – #BeWaterAware, gives people the confidence to keep themselves and others safe around the water by providing instruction on safe land-based rescues.

With the current lockdown laws in place, enjoying the home and garden safely is more important than ever and so is staying safe around water especially as our incredible emergency services are under increased pressure at this time.

Every year across the UK and Ireland, around 700 people lose their lives in water-related incidents, with most of the incidents being completely avoidable.

A recent RLSS UK survey indicated that around 43% of people would jump into the water to save somebody, an instinct that is often life-threatening and has led to many further heart-breaking deaths.

RLSS UK, the charity that enhances communities so that everyone can enjoy being in, on or near the water, safely, launched Lifesaver-Lifechanger, to ensure people know how to prevent a tragedy, as well as act correctly in an emergency.

This short course provides skills for life that will set individuals and families on a journey to gain knowledge and confidence to enjoy the water, safely.

The online toolkit has four modules, covering a range of topics including An introduction to water safety; Top tips on how to stay safe around water at home, in the pool, outdoors and at the beach; What to if you or someone else finds themselves in an emergency and How to perform a rescue from land.