Families across Kent, East Sussex and further afield are invited to enjoy a free, fun, family day out, as two fire services team up to host Water Savvy Fun Day.

It’s back for 2019 on Sunday, 23 June, 11am-4pm at Bewl Water, following the success of the debut event last year, to which thousands of people came along to see firefighters in live water rescue displays.

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

And it’s no coincidence the event falls during Royal Life Saving Society UK's Drowning Prevention Week (RLSS UK). RLSS UK, as well as our friends from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR), and Kent Police’s Search and Marine Unit will all be there displaying their impressive water rescue kit, and sharing advice about enjoying water safel

Whether you’re interested in watching live water rescue demos, eager to climb aboard a rescue boat or fire engine, fancy meeting the giant Splashpals Newfoundland Dogs and the KFRS trainee search dog, or simply want to enjoy a picnic, get your face painted and join in with the fancy dress competition – there’s something for everyone.

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

New to this year’s line-up is a boat display by Kent Police’s Search and Marine Unit and a search dog display from Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR).

Leanne McMahon, Group Manager for Community Safety at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing this dedicated water event back this year in partnership with our friends at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Our Water Savvy Fun Day is a fun day out for all the family, providing a rare glimpse into the fire services’ water rescue capabilities, and an opportunity to learn really important lifesaving skills. You’ll see firefighters in action on the water in live rescue demonstrations and get a look at some of the impressive kit that’s used at water incidents.

“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.”