Local lifeboat volunteers advocate for water safety over Bank Holiday weekend

THIS Bank Holiday weekend, first aid volunteers from Ferryside are appealing for people to be vigilant when spending time near water.

Across the Covid-19 pandemic, the essential service provided by St John Ambulance Cymru Ferryside volunteers has continued to keep people safe but with more people travelling to the coast across the summer the charity is urging people to take care.

Simon Lamble, officer in charge at Ferryside Lifeboat said: “Our crews have been on call across the pandemic to support the local community responding to emergency calls on the water.

“We’re asking people to keep themselves safe and to be sensible and vigilant when it comes to spending time near the water.

“Safety is our number one priority and with Covid-19 still very much here.

“We’re continuing to put extra measures in place to ensure we keep ourselves and those in our care safe.”

“While we thoroughly enjoy supporting our local community we can all help each other this Bank Holiday by following some simple water safety advice,” he added.

Top tips to stay safe by the water include:

Check tide times and heights and weather forecast People can be trapped by fast incoming tides
Tell someone when you’re going into the water So they know where you are
Don’t use inflatables They can quickly drift out to sea
Prevent drowning Always be safe in and around water
Recognise distress Ask someone to call for help
Remove from water Do this only if it is safe to do so
Provide care as needed Seek medical attention and treat as necessary
Avoid putting yourself in danger Always call for help
If you are a trained rescuer and it is safe to do so, start rescue breaths while removing the casualty from the water
Special consideration should be taken due to Covid-19
Call 999/112 for emergency help even if a casualty appears to recover immediately after rescue

Volunteers from St John Ambulance Cymru Ferryside continue to respond to life threatening calls and have been throughout lockdown.

Response has been adapted ensuring guidance from the Welsh Government and partner agencies is strictly adhered to.