Life saving water safety training for council staff and volunteers

Cheshire West and Chester Council greenspace officers and volunteers from Northwich and Ellesmere Port have received essential, potentially life‑saving water safety training to help reduce the risk of drowning and keep people safe around rivers, canals and lakes.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, and the council is taking proactive steps to ensure staff and volunteers who work near water are fully prepared to recognise risks and respond safely in an emergency.

The two‑hour practical and theory-based training session was delivered by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, as part of a nationally recognised scheme designed by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The programme provides vital training and equipment to help prevent drowning accidents in public open spaces and waterways.

The session focused on hazard awareness, safe rescue techniques and emergency response, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly and safely if someone gets into difficulty in water – whether that is a member of the public, a colleague, or themselves.

During the training, staff and volunteers learned how to:

• safely use a throw bag to help rescue someone in the water
• provide clear water safety advice to people using waterside areas
• recognise the specific risks associated with waterways in greenspaces
• understand the safest and most effective ways to help someone in trouble, without putting themselves at risk

Everyone involved described the session as informative, engaging and enjoyable, while also highlighting just how important these skills could be in a real-life emergency.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said:

“Waterways are a valued part of our borough, but they can also be extremely dangerous. This training is about saving lives – making sure our staff and volunteers know how to spot risks, respond safely and do the right thing in an emergency. By investing in this kind of training, we’re not only protecting those who work in our greenspaces, but also helping keep the wider public safe.”

The council is reminding residents that if someone is seen in trouble in the water, never enter the water yourself.

Instead:

• Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service or the Coastguard
• Keep eyes on the casualty at all times
• Give the clearest location possible, using what3words if available
• Offer help from the bank or shore where it is safe to do so

 For more advice on staying safe around water, visit: 

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service - Water safety

Pictured - Water Safety Training in progress.