On Monday 22nd April, members of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) Community Safety team gathered to take part in Water Safety training along the River Teifi in Llandysul.
The training exercise, organised by Technical Rescue Training manager Darren Wilson, was split into two sessions. The morning session involved a presentation from a trained MAWWFRS Swift Water Rescue First responder, which included the importance of water safety, common water hazards, drowning prevention techniques and how to perform basic water rescues on yourself and others.
The afternoon session involved hands-on activities for the Community Safety team, such as practicing bank-based water rescues, reach and throw techniques, bringing casualties to safety and training on the physiological effects of cold-water shock that can be experienced when entering cold water. All participants were taught how to use water safety equipment correctly and promptly in case of an emergency.
The Community Safety team completed the day feeling confident and better equipped to provide advice and guidance to the public, enabling them to share vital Water Safety messages through their routine work.
The Swift Water First Responders are fully equipped to provide quick and efficient responses to the ever-increasing number of water incidents that the Service attends. Training exercises like this one serve as an important reminder of the importance of being prepared in and around water.
Technical Rescue Training manager Darren Wilson said:
“The day was very productive and allowed us to provide the underpinning knowledge and experience to our Community Safety team to help them deliver the Services water safety messages and campaigns.”