Reduce drownings

TO COMBAT the increasing number of drowning in the Leeds waterways, police officers have been given rescue training to help cut the number.

The training is to make sure officers have the skills to recover a victim while staying safe themselves, and all patrol cars now carry  a buoyancy aid and rope to aid the officers to rescue people, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Eight drowned

Eight people have drowned in the waterways of the city in the past four years, and the police are usually the first on the scene, hence the training and equipment, which it is hoped will saved lives.

The training is being given by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, with around 100 officers taking part.