This summer, 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 water. 

For inland water - such as in rivers, lakes or other bodies of water - people should call 999 and ask for the “Fire Service”.

For rescues at sea – on the coast or seaside - call 999 and ask for the “Coastguard”.

KFRS Station Manager and water safety expert, James Kitchen, said:

“Every second counts in a water emergency. When someone’s in trouble, knowing which emergency service to ask for when you call 999 can be lifesaving.

“Be as specific as you can—share your exact location, describe what the person is wearing, and keep your eyes on them until help arrives.

“For inland water emergencies in Kent or Medway, ask for the fire service. If the emergency is at the coast, ask for the Coastguard. Remember, make the right call and you could save a life.”

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

From January 2022 to December 2024, KFRS worked on 37 water rescues in Kent, with 29 of these rescues taking place in rivers and canals.

In this same period, Medway was the district with the most water rescues - 16 - followed by Maidstone with seven.

The age group most often requiring water rescue in Kent are 20-29 year-olds.

Runners and walkers, who don’t plan to enter the water, are among those at greatest risk, which is why KFRS is also sharing vital survival guidance.

If you end up in the water and cannot swim to safety, you should:
1.    Stay calm,
2.    Float on your back,
3.    Shout for help.

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

KFRS 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.