Firefighters give kids summer water safety tips

Children from Pitmaston Primary School went to Worcester Rowing Club to learn more about staying safe around water

Primary school children in Worcestershire have been learning from firefighters and life-saving volunteers how to keep people safe from the risks of open water this summer.

Youngers from Pitmaston Primary School in Worcester went to a local rowing club on the River Severn to learn skills.

The fire service and Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) demonstrated rope-throwing and other ways to assist people struggling to stay afloat.

Station Commander John Elsworth from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said children were told to "call, tell and throw".

"Call 999; tell the person in the water to lie on their back with their arms and legs out as that will help them to save energy and will help to keep their head above water," he said.

"Throw anything to hand which floats to the person in the water as that in turn will help to keep them afloat."

Mr Elsworth added it was also important to be aware of surroundings and to stay in a group.

The service's drone crew demonstrated how they carried out searches using thermal imaging cameras.

In addition, a boat crew from Worcester Fire Station showed the children water rescue techniques.

The service advised people to check its water safety information online for further drowning prevention advice.