Families across Kent, East Sussex and further afield are invited to join us for a free, fun, family day out and to see water rescue firefighters in action, as two fire services team up to host a Water Savvy Fun Day.

It’s the first event of its kind and will be held on Saturday, 16 June, at Bewl Water in Tunbridge Wells, from 10am to  2pm -  during the Royal Life Saving Society’s  Drowning Prevention Week (15-25 June).

The Bewl Water reservoir crosses the border between Kent and East Sussex, providing the perfect location for the respective fire services to hold an event about a subject both organisations feel passionately about – water safety.

The Water Savvy Fun Day promises lots of activities for all age groups, taking place in three zones: the Water Savvy Village, the Water Savvy Arena and the Water Savvy Kids' Zone.

Whether you’re interested in watching live water rescue demos, are eager to climb aboard a rescue boat or fire engine, fancy meeting the giant Splashpals Newfoundland Dogs or our search and rescue puppy, want to experience virtual ‘cold reality’, or even enjoy a picnic and get your face painted – there’s something for everyone.

There will also be opportunities to learn life savings skills, such as CPR and how to use a throw line.

Leanne McMahon, Group Manager for Community Safety at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re really excited to be teaming up with our friends at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to hold an event for residents specifically about water safety, in RLSS Drowning Prevention Week. Our Water Savvy Fun Day is going to be just that, a fun day out for all the family, with a rare glimpse into the fire services’ water rescue capabilities, and an opportunity to learn important lifesaving skills. You’ll see firefighters in action on the water in live rescue exercises and get a look at some of the impressive kit that’s used in water incidents.

“Every year KFRS carries out 37 water rescues on average, each involving one or more people, and we want to drive the number of people getting into trouble in water down. Water safety is really important to us, and we are working hard to educate residents and visitors to the area about the dangers and how to stay safe while still enjoying being in and around water.”

Andrea Emery, Water Safety Co-ordinator for East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We’re really looking forward to the event and can guarantee a very warm welcome and a fantastic day out for the whole family. There’ll be something for everyone with so many different activities taking place!

“A drowning incident happens quickly and without warning. Drowning in the UK is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths and many people who drown had no intention of entering the water. Water safety is a key part of our prevention work and we want people to really enjoy being near the water and be aware of the relevant risks.”