Devon firefighter raising awareness of water safety

Firefighter Steve Fisher is trying to raise awareness of water safety in Exeter

A firefighter is working to raise awareness about water safety in Devon.

Steve Fisher, with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, has been highlighting the location of lifesaving equipment around Exeter Quay.

He said early intervention in a rescue would give people "a lot better chance of survival".

The fire service said about 40% of people who drowned in the UK had no intention of entering the water.

Mr Fisher said: "We are supporting the National Fire Chief Council's Be Water Aware Week, and we're out and about just talking to people about the dangers of the water.

"We're trying to reduce the number of accidental drownings that happen in the UK every year."

Emergency rescue poles and throw bags are located around the Quay in Exeter

Mr Fisher said the engagement was being aimed more at people who use the paths alongside the waterways - including runners and cyclists.

He said: "We're trying to engage with the groups who are walking and running and cycling.

"These are the people that are going out on their run or their walk, obviously they're not intending to go in the water, but, unfortunately, for whatever reason, they are ending up in the water, and they're getting themselves into trouble."

Rachel Sutton, part of the Heavitree and Wonford Running Group, said the route along the Quay in Exeter was one of the group's regular routes.

She said: "What this has done is actually made me a little bit more aware of what the potential might be, and also the things that could be done to help in the unlikely event that someone does fall in the water."