Crews issue water safety advice after rescuing girl stuck in mud
Crews have issued water safety advice after rescuing a girl who got stuck in mud in Thurrock.
We were called to Thames Road, close to Thurrock Yacht club, on Tuesday (29 April) at 5.49pm after the teenage girl got trapped up to her waist about 10 metres from the shore.
Crews from Grays (two) and Orsett attended and bought the girl to safety by 6.29pm.
Watch Manager Terry Myers said: "Crews from Grays made initial contact with the casualty and supported the specialist water rescue team from Orsett, who used specialist personal protective equipment and rescue paths to reach her, free her and bring her safely to the bank.
"She was left in the care of the ambulance service and treated for the effects of exposure to the cold."
With high temperatures this week, many people are heading to Essex's beaches, rivers and lakes.
The incident is a reminder for everyone to stay safe near water by taking a few simple but life-saving precautions.
Watch Manager Myers said: "The incident highlights the danger of entering water unsupervised and the importance of never entering the water alone in case you need help.
"Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for help."
Be Water Aware
This week is Be Water Aware Week, led by the National Fire Chiefs Council and supported by fire and rescue services across the country.
Here's our advice to stay safe around water:
- Never swim alone in case you need help
- Don’t drink alcohol when undertaking water related activities. It impairs judgement and your ability to swim
- Avoid walking routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol
- Don’t dive or jump straight into open water. It can cause potentially fatal cold water shock, even on the warmest day
- Actively supervise children in and around water - drowning can happen quickly and silently
- If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic. Extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effect of cold water shock pass
- Never enter the water to try and rescue someone. Call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if you're inland or the Coastguard if you're at the coast
Visit our website to find out how to stay safe around water this summer.
