Staff joined with partners for awareness raising sessions at both Llyn Tegid (Bala) and Llyn Padarn (Llanberis) last Friday to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.

Staff at the event in Llyn Tegid, Bala

Staff at the event in Llyn Padarn, Llanberis

The events promoted the National Water Safety Forum’s ‘Find Your Float’ campaign and saw staff working with a wide range of organisations to raise awareness about the potential dangers of open water.

The Service’s Water Rescue Unit was in attendance at both locations hosting practical demonstrations and water safety activities, while Swim Safe sessions were hosted by partners Byw’n Iach Gwynedd at Llyn Tegid and Plas Menai at Llyn Padarn.

Other partners and supporters in attendance at the events included Debbie Ann Turnbull MBE with River and Sea Sense – Water Education, the RNLI, the Coastguard, Mountain Rescue Teams, Reach and Rescue, Pete Lewin Newfoundlands and 2 Wish.

Paul Kay, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Fire Safety and Chair of the National Water Safety Forum, said: “I am delighted that North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was able to join with our partners for water safety events again this year to mark World Drowning Prevention Day and support the National Water Safety Forum’s ‘Find Your Float’ campaign.

“I would like to thank our teams for their hard work arranging these important events to help raise awareness of vital drowning prevention techniques that could be vital to help save someone’s life in an emergency.

“The feedback from those attending was great and I hope that those who joined us at these events have left having learnt some vital life-saving advice.

“Please remember that if you ever find yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instincts will tell you to swim hard. But cold water shock can make you gasp uncontrollably which can cause you to breathe in water and drown. Instead, remember ‘Float to Live’.

“The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.”