A CAMPAIGN has been launched to warn people about water safety following a surge in the number of tragic cases attended by the emergency services.

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week is a campaign organised by the national fire chief's council and runs from April 23 to 29.

Firefighters and specialist water rescue teams have been called to 42 incidents since April last year, with 10 people losing their lives after drowning.

Members of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) will be in Sonning, Caversham and Reading town centre over the coming days to hand out potentially life-saving advice,

David Newton, watch manager at Caversham Road fire station, said: “Although being near water is regarded by some as being a low risk activity, national statistics demonstrate that this is not the case.

“The danger posed by open water is clear and despite our best efforts, lives are lost every year in Royal Berkshire’s waterways.

“Under the surface the water can contain unseen dangers, such as strong currents and reeds, which could pull you under, causing problems even for the best of swimmers.

“For this reason, during the week we would invite you to come along to one of our educational talks to find out how you can be water aware and enjoy the water responsibly.”

Crews from RBFRS will be at Sonning Lock, the site of a number of fatalities over the last 12 months, from 10.30am on Thursday.

Further talks are scheduled for Reading Rowing Club on Saturday from 10.30am and outside The Oracle (Riverside) from 6.30pm.

In 2016, 315 people accidentally drowned in the UK, with around half of these people originally having no intention of entering the water and were taking part in everyday activities, such as running or walking.

Visitors will have the chance to see a demonstration of the drown tank and look at some of the equipment that firefighters use when they are called to a water rescue job.

Visit: www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/out-and-about/water-safety for more information and advice on what to do if you encounter someone in the water.