Blackpool Tower Lights Blue

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will be supporting World Drowning Prevention Day on Tuesday 25th July.

Led by the World Health Organisation, the day aims to shine a light on drowning as a public health issue, reminding people that anyone can drown, but no one should.

To help raise awareness of the day, the service has worked with different organisations from the Lancashire Water Safety Partnership to arrange for a number of landmarks across the county to be lit blue during the evening of Tuesday 25th July.

The illuminated landmarks include:

• The Blackpool Tower
• Lytham Windmill
• Marine Hall, Fleetwood
• Skelmersdale Light Cube
• Ormskirk Clock Tower
• Chorley Town Hall
• Rivington Pike
• Rivington Pigeon Tower

We are encouraging residents of Lancashire to get involved by sharing photos of their local landmark using the hashtag #DrowningPreventionDay and tagging Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on our social channels.

Drowning is one of the UK’s leading causes of accidental death. Each year more than 400 people drown after tripping, falling or just by underestimating the risks associated with being near water. Many more people are left with life changing injuries in water related incidents.

During periods of warm weather, we encourage people to never swim alone, don’t swim too far from the shore and find open water where there is a lifeguard. Never jump or dive straight in, as this could cause cold water shock. Despite the air temperature being warm, the water is usually a lot colder than it looks and if there is a current, it could be a lot stronger than you think.

Prevention Group Manager Liam Wilson of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service says:
“We are happy to be supporting such an important cause, as many people sadly lose their lives in the UK in and around water each year. It’s so important to be mindful of dangers you can face.

There are many hidden dangers of swimming in open water, even strong swimmers can get into difficulty due to cold water shock. The water can be deep, submerged objects may not be visible and it’s difficult to estimate the depth before you get in. If you do get into difficulty, stay calm, float on your back and call for help. If you see someone else struggling in inland water, call 999 and ask for the FRS. If you are at the coast, ask for the Coastguard.”

For more water safety advice visit www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/watersafety