5 Words To Remember
SHOUT - CALL 999 – SIGNAL – THROW - DO NOT GO
SHOUT
Shout to the person “are you in trouble?” if they are thrashing around or unresponsive you need to react NOW. If they shout no you can still call 999 and report the situation.
Do not enter the water whatever caused the person to need assistance may also happen to you. 1 person needing help will become 2.
CALL 999
Inland water - ask for FIRE AND RESCUE
Coast/Beaches – ask for COASTGUARD
You can call 999 if your network has no signal, the call will find the next network signal available using the nearest network tower, this helps you to connect to the emergency services, you may see emergency calls only on your handset.
Did you know you can call 999 before it becomes an emergency example is if your friend falls into water, you can call them back if the situation changes or cancel them, although they may still want to come to check that the person is ok.
SIGNAL
From where you are you will have a good view of the situation, signal by waving your arms and shout to the person that help is on its way, reassure them that you can see them and you are looking for things to help rescue them. Encourage them to get into the floating rescue position on their back with arms and legs outstretched in a star shape and go with the flow of the water, resist swimming to conserve their energy. Help them keep calm by shouting reassurance to them, ask them to keep their face out of the water and control their breathing. The water will be loud, and the person may have difficulty hearing or communicating with you but shout loud and clear instructions and reassurance.
THROW
Whilst doing all the above look around for objects to throw to the person, anything that floats is good. If there are other people with you send them to find floating objects whilst you keep the person in your view, this will help the emergency services when they arrive to find the person and get to them quickly.
DO NOT GO
Remember DO NOT enter the water even though you may feel you need to. You are that persons help, the emergency services eyes. If you go in the water, you may become a casualty as well and need rescuing.
Don’t Swim and Go Think and Throw
