In an emergency always call 999
Firefighters from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) have joined forces with Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Redcliffe & Temple BID to deliver vital throwline training to businesses around the harbourside.
Often the first on the scene of an incident are the people working in the waterfront bars, clubs and businesses. With the help of Bristol BIDs, AF&RS held a number of training sessions aimed at helping those working at these locations to get confident with using a throwline to help someone in the water.
AF&RS Group Manager Russ Mitchell said: “We’re so pleased to be supporting Bristol BIDs with this initiative and providing potentially lifesaving training to key businesses on the harbourside.”
Throwlines are life saving devices that can be used to help a person who is in difficulty in the water. Located at regular intervals along the harbourside in river rescue cabinets, and accessed by calling 999 and getting a code, these throwlines are available for anyone to use in an emergency. However, local businesses also play a vital role, particularly during the evenings and into the night.
Louisa Briggs, Project Manager for Bristol City Centre BID and Redcliffe & Temple BID, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Avon Fire & Rescue Service to provide vital training to businesses in the city centre. Since much of our business community is located around Bristol’s waterways, partnering with Avon Fire & Rescue Service is crucial to deliver these engaging and informative sessions and ensure safety for all around the waterfront.”
AF&RS have also supplied a number of businesses with throwlines to keep on their premises, so that they can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency.
To find out more about using throwlines, take a look at our video.