Educating, engaging, and protecting: How ECFRS is leading water safety initiatives
Over the summer of 2024, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) made significant strides in water safety, playing a crucial role in preventing drownings and raising awareness throughout Essex. Between June 1 and August 31, ECFRS staff attended a total of 64 water safety events, actively working to educate the public and reduce water-related incidents.
Proactive and targeted interventions
ECFRS's water safety initiatives were a blend of planned events and targeted interventions. Many of these engagements were a result of local concerns and intelligence reports. A key example was the team's quick response to reports of young people swimming in a newly formed lake at Great Notley Country Park, where they interacted with 80 members of the public to reinforce water safety protocols.
In Dedham, ECFRS responded to Parish Council concerns about dangerous behaviour around the local river, engaging with both residents and visitors. This proactive, on-the-ground engagement is just one example of how ECFRS not only responds to water safety concerns but also works to prevent issues before they escalate.
Educating the next generation
ECFRS's commitment to education is another key pillar of their water safety efforts. In July 2024 alone, the fire service delivered 36 water safety sessions to over 7,352 children, while a further 10,888 received summer safety assemblies that included essential water safety information. Over the course of the academic year, ECFRS reached a staggering 28,406 young people through 232 water safety sessions. By teaching children and young people the dangers of open water and how to stay safe, ECFRS is laying the groundwork for a safer future across Essex.
Waterside Responder Scheme
ECFRS also spearheaded the Waterside Responder Scheme, aimed at training staff in waterside establishments to handle potential water-related incidents. Since June 2024, ECFRS has delivered four Waterside Responder sessions at various locations, including the Rose & Crown in Wivenhoe and Popworld in Chelmsford. A total of 23 individuals, including managers and bar staff, were trained in using throwlines and responding to water emergencies.
This initiative targets establishments with high water traffic, such as areas with paddleboarding or significant nighttime activity, ensuring that key staff are well-equipped to act swiftly in emergencies. The project continues to expand, with 34 establishments already contacted and more sessions planned to be delivered in the next few months.
Working together: A partnership approach to water safety
Collaboration is at the heart of ECFRS’s water safety strategy. The fire service works with a broad range of partners, from local councils to national organisations, to extend their reach and impact. For example, ECFRS partnered with the Chelmsford Community Safety Partnership to increase water safety awareness at key locations like Bradwell, Burnham, Maldon, and Chelmsford.
The team also worked with Active Essex to deliver three water safety sessions at summer camps, reaching approximately 150 children. Regular collaboration with the Essex Police Marine Unit and Tendring District Council also ensures that local concerns are addressed effectively, with the fire service spending about six days in Tendring this summer alone.
Louise Curtis, Road and Water Safety Manager at ECFRS, expressed her gratitude and excitement about the ongoing efforts, saying:
“It’s been an incredibly busy summer, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my colleagues and our partners for making it such a success.
“But we’re not stopping here. As we move into the winter months, we have some exciting initiatives on the horizon. We’re working closely with our colleagues at Kent Fire and Rescue Service to deliver water safety sessions at Bluewater and Lakeside Shopping Centres later this year. These shopping centres draw thousands of visitors every day, making them crucial locations for spreading water safety awareness and preparing staff to respond to potential emergencies.”
Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead, RNLI said: “We know that 70% of drowning incidents happen without a call for help made. This is a huge problem to tackle. This summer we have been educating the young and providing training to those working near to the water has been out main area of focus.
"We also know that we need to work with others to help end drowning. That is why we have worked with ECFRS & our wider partners in the Essex Water Safety Forum to help reach even more people living in our county enjoying the coastlines and water ways but also those travelling to the area.
“I’m really excited to see how we develop our programs further, reaching even more people and encouraging everyone to enjoy the water safely.”
The breadth of ECFRS’s water safety initiatives is impressive, but more importantly, it’s making a real difference in preventing drownings and water-related incidents across Essex. Through education, engagement, and partnerships, ECFRS will no doubt save many more lives and create a more water-aware public, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Essex’s beautiful waterways safely.