Published: 13 December 2021

RLSS UK, through Accredited Centre Vital Training, worked with The North York Moors National Park, Generation Green and RNLI Community Safety Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat to deliver free water rescue equipment training (WRET) courses in a bid to give more people the knowledge and skills to be able to assist anyone who is in trouble in the water.

The training, which took place on Wednesday 8 December 2021 at Runswick Bay, targeted those who are located near places where there is a potential drowning risk, allowing individuals to become first responders. The training covered the use of water rescue equipment and formed part of the RLSS UK’s national campaign – Don’t Drink and Drown.

There were two sessions for the participants to get involved with, the first session saw Police Officers, Paramedics, Nurses and Sports Coaches taking part, whilst the second session saw young people on a residential course through the North York Moors National Park get to grips with the water rescue equipment. Nineteen learners engaged over the two sessions, meaning that nineteen more people understand the dangers around water and what to do if they see someone in trouble.

The training was such a big success that RLSS UK, through Accredited Centre Vital Training, will be running further courses with the newly formed River Tees Rescue Team who attended the training.

For further information on the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, visit the Don’t Drink and Drown webpage to download resources to help spread the word and help keep your friends and family safe.