THEIR job is fire but Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council's Be Water Aware campaign to highlight the risk of accidental drowning.

The week-long campaign runs from April 29 - May 5 2019. It's taking place because 50 per cent of accidental drownings happen when people didn't even intend to go in the water and from April 2017to the same time in 2018, DWFRS rescued 20 people in water-related incidents.

According to DWFRS, activities such as running, walking, fishing and cycling near water can put you at risk of drowning. In 2017, 255 people accidentally drowned in the UK. Around half of these people just happened to be near water

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Lead, Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker, said: "Most people would be shocked to hear that those people who drowned just happened to be taking part in everyday activities near water, like going for a run or walk.

"They are unaware of the risks and are totally unprepared for the scenario of ending up in the water. By highlighting this issue and making sure simple safety messages reach them we hope to reduce the number of these needless and preventable deaths."

DWFRS says:

• If you are going for a walk or run near water stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge.

• Make sure conditions are safe. Avoid walking or running near water in the dark, when it is slippery or in bad weather

• If you've had alcohol don't enter the water, avoid walking alone and avoid routes near water

• Never enter the water to try and help a person or animal - always call 999

• If you are spending time near water - whether at home or abroad make sure you are familiar with local safety information and children are fully supervised.