The recent tragic drowning of young student Megan Roberts, who fell into the River Ouse in York while on a night out again highlighted the dangers of water and the importance of water safety.

The tragedy also sparked a campaign by her friends and the university she attended to raise awareness of the issue.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) now offers its flagship occupational water safety training programme, tailored specifically to the security industry, employees of which are often working around or near to water and should be equipped with the skills to take care of themselves, colleagues and any members of the public who they may see get into difficulty in the water.

The National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) aims to equip anyone working in, on or near water with the skills required to keep themselves safe and others safe, and to respond to drowning emergencies.

It was created in consultation with a number of police, NHS and Fire and Rescue service authorities and, by completing the course, participants can learn the skills required to prevent and manager open water emergencies. Furthermore, it can help meet the required Health and Safety obligations.

Cliff Nelson, Course Programme Manager at the RLSS UK, said: “Security staff work in all kinds of areas, from university campuses to riverside bars and clubs. NWSMP is ideal to train such staff in the skills they would need to remain safe in their roles but also to safely help anyone they may see who is in difficulty.

“Most of the risks presented to those first on scene at water-related emergencies can be significantly controlled by simple, straightforward and effective water-hazard awareness – which is what NWSMP delivers and we are keen to work with the security industry to get as many people trained as possible.”

RLSS UK research shows that foundation-level training in water hazard, risk and basic response options will significantly improve performance and minimize the likelihood of tragedy.

This is a great opportunity for security workers to become qualified in water safety.

For more information on RLSS Commonwealth visit www.rlsscommonwealth.org