Kingston groups have been teaming up to give residents FREE water safety lessons this summer

The 2-hour long classes teach members of the public how to use a throw-line correctly and the ways that water safety volunteers rescue people in difficulty.

The sessions take place at the Albany watersports centre near Canbury Gardens.

They have been organised by the Water Safety Forum, including Kingston Fire Brigade, Kingston Council, Kingston Maritime Volunteers, Teddington RNLI and the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Surrey.

Representatives of the Met police and the Environment Agency ware also involved.

The first event took place on Saturday 31 July.

RNLI crew acted as persons in distress in the water while members of the Brigade showed members of the public how to rescue them using different throw-rope techniques.

All the agencies also had their varying rescue equipment with them, so partners were able to familiarise themselves with colleagues' equipment and methods.

The next water safety class will take place tomorrow on Saturday 21 August, also at the Albany centre on Lower Ham Road.

To attend, you can email [email protected] - or just turn up on the day.

The class will run from 3-5pm and also include throw-rope demonstrations and practice.

The safety events follow rising concern over the increasing popularity of swimming in the Thames this summer.

In June, a teenager swimming in open water on the Thames between Teddington and Twickenham came into difficulty.

Luckily two off-duty crew members with Teddington RNLI saw the boy needed help and used a throw rope to get him out.

Commenting on the river safety events, London Fire Brigade Kingston Station Commander Tom Conlon said: "The idea of the event was to get passing members of the public to have a go at using a throwline so they will know what to do if they ever come across someone in difficulty.

"We want to give as many people as possible the confidence that if there was a throwline and someone was in difficulty, they would be able to use it.

"Despite the weather, it didn't dampen our spirits and it was a successful day.

"I'd like to thank all our partner agencies for joining us and also thank Albany Outdoors for allowing us to use their landing stage for the demonstration."

[i]Can't make this Saturday's event? Read more about using throw-bags and helping casualties in the water

According to the Environment Agency, "Drowning can occur very quickly, even in shallow water, and the key to keeping safe is to take all necessary precautions to avoid getting into difficulty in the first place.

"Experience shows it is often young people who get into trouble whilst swimming in open water, which can contain hazards, particularly in and around locks, weirs and bridges.

"Unexpectedly cold waters or strong currents can also catch bathers off-guard."

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