EMERGENCY crews have imparted their life-saving knowledge to neighbours in Reading on how to help those at risk of drowning.

People of all ages attended a water safety training session where they were taught how to throw a lifeline to someone in the water by staff from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS).

The session was held as the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) recently published its inaugural National Drowning Report, which revealed almost half the 130 river fatalities in 2022 nationally involved those who had been swept into waters.

The training, which took place at 1st Reading Sea Scouts base at the River Thames, was organised by the North Reading Safer Neighbourhood Forum (SNF), which works to improve public safety in Caversham alongside the council and Thames Valley Police.

Nick Haskins, the chairman of North Reading SNF spoke about the success of the event and how simple life saving methods can be without putting rescuers at risk.

He began by referring to the ‘Float to Live’ principle, which encourages people to stay afloat as much as possible. Mr Haskins said: “In the first couple of minutes [after entering the water] it’s very important to stay afloat.

“You can go into shock and become petrified because of the cold water, but if you float you can get over that. You also need people to actually know how to free you.

“What we are trying to do is emulate what is being done elsewhere to educate people how to save others. The throwlines we learn to use are really simple and effective.”

He added: “One of the firefighters went into the water and had a young man aged 11 who threw the line and was able to draw the firefighter in.

“It just goes to show all you need is simple tools to save lives.

“Having the throwlines means people won’t enter the water and risk putting themselves in danger.”

The safer neighbourhood forum is trying to get throwlines established at 50 metre intervals along waterways. The hope is to have more throwlines along the River Kennet and the Foundry Brook.

The session was held at the 1st Reading Sea Scouts at The Warren in Caversham on Saturday, June 17.

Anyone interested involved should get in touch by emailing nicknrsnf@gmail.com or messaging @NorthReadingSNF on Twitter.

The session was championed by Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) lead councillor for community safety, who called it “a really really successful event”, and attended by cllr Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights).

Jess James, area manager for RBFRS, said: “As temperatures continue to rise, along with the temptation to cool off in open water, we were delighted to work with the North of Reading SNF team to promote water safety awareness.

“During the day, the crew carried out some throwline practice and shared advice on what to do should the worst happen on our waterways in Berkshire.

“We ask everyone to remember – call (999), tell, throw. If you do see someone in difficulty remember those three words – call 999, tell the person to float on their back and throw something to them to help them float – can help save lives.

“You should never enter the water to try and save someone, even if you are a strong swimmer.

“Throughout the summer, our crews will be visiting Berkshire’s waterways to promote water safety awareness and will be on hand to answer any questions. Alternatively, you can always visit your local fire station for more advice and information.”