Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging the public to help save lives and valuable time, by making the right call if they see someone struggling in a lake or river.

For inland water rescues in Kent or Medway, people should call 999 and ask for the fire service. For rescues at sea, it’s the Coastguard.

The important message is the driving force behind KFRS’ new campaign, Make the Right Call, which aims to educate the public and ultimately reduce the number of drownings in the county.  

Based on most recent figures, Kent was the joint third county in the UK for the highest number of deaths caused by accidental drownings.

And runners and walkers, who don’t plan to enter the water, are among the highest risk group.

That’s why, as part of the campaign, KFRS is also sharing vital survival guidance - advising people to float on their back and shout for help, if they end up in the water and cannot swim to safety.

Crew Manager Amy Owen, a water safety expert within KFRS’ control room, said: “When someone is struggling in water, every second counts. By knowing which emergency service to ask for when calling 999, you can help us to get crews on their way quickly.

“We need you to give as much detail as you can about where you are, what the person is wearing, and keep them in sight until crews get there.

“Remember, if it’s an inland water rescue in Kent and Medway, call 999 and ask for the fire service. If it’s coastal, ask for the coastguard.

“Make the right call, and you could help save valuable time, and someone’s life.”

KFRS has fitted water safety signs with instructions of who to call at water rescue hotspots, including locations in Maidstone, Medway, and Tonbridge and Malling.

The service is also working with community groups to raise awareness, including rowing clubs, parkrun, and other running events – because recreational river users and waterside runners and walkers are most likely to see someone in the water.

Chris Gedge, a director and volunteer at Maidstone Riverpark parkrun, said: “Our weekly run is alongside the River Medway, and our members regularly use the same route, so we understand the importance of being vigilant and also knowing to call 999 for the fire service if we see someone struggling in the river.

“We hope KFRS’ Make the Right Call campaign will encourage all river users to act quickly if they see someone in need of rescuing and help the right emergency services to get there as soon as possible.

“And, to help raise awareness amongst our runners, we’re now including the campaign’s advice in our pre-event safety briefings."