Fire crews issue water safety messages

Firefighters are warning communities to be safe near water after crews rescued two men from a brook in Stoke-on-Trent.

Crews from Longton and Newcastle and paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to a brook on New Inn Lane, Hanford, at 9.40am yesterday (Wednesday 26 July).

On arrival, we found two men stuck in the brook.

Crews used a short extension ladder to rescue both men, who were then left in the care of paramedics and taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

Crews left the scene at 10.20am.

Dez Stoddart, Station Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, highlights some of the risks of being in the water.

“It’s difficult to estimate how deep water is before you get in. If it’s too shallow you are at risk of injuring yourself if you jump in and equally deep water may lead you to get into difficulties.

“You might not be able to get out, steep, slimy banks or sides can make getting out impossible.

“And there is no way of knowing what hazards lies beneath the surface of the water; shopping trolleys, sharp metal and broken bottles are just a few things that may be lurking.”

If you fall into water by accident, follow the float to live advice as follows:

• Fight your instinct to thrash around.
• Lean back, extend your arms and legs.
• If you need to, gently move them around to help you float.
• Float until you can control your breathing.
• Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives.

For more information on water safety advice, visit our website.