Having the skills, knowledge and confidence to help in an emergency can save lives. But it's vital to follow key guidance to keep yourself and others safe.

We have produced an educational video, created with our Aviemore crew, to show how to safely and effectively use water rescue equipment. The guidance below is also key to follow in the event of an emergency.

• Call 999, if you are near the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland ask for fire service and ambulance.
• The emergency services will need to know where you are. Accurate information can save precious minutes. If you have a smart phone and have location services or map tool enabled, this can help. If not look around for any landmarks or signs – for example bridges will often have numbers on them which can identify their location.
• Don’t hang up – stay on the line but try and continue to help the person if appropriate.
• When you have made this call shout for help from anyone who might be close by.
• Never ever enter the water to try and save someone. This usually ends up adding to the problem. If you go into the water you are likely to suffer from cold water shock which will leave you unable to help even if you are a strong swimmer.
• Can the person help themselves? Shout to them ‘Swim to me’. The water can be disorientating. This can give them a focus. Keep any instructions short clear and loud. Don’t shout instructions using different words each time.
• Look around for any lifesaving equipment. Depending on where you are there might be lifebelts or throw bags – use them. If they are attached to a rope make sure you have secured or are holding the end of the rope so you can pull them in.
• You could attempt to reach out to them. Clothes such as scarves can be used to try and reach or a long stick. If you do this lie on the ground so your entire body is safely on the edge and reach out with your arm. Don’t stand up or lean over the water – you may get pulled in.
• If the person is unconscious you will need to check they are breathing. If they are not breathing they need 5 rescue breathes and then CPR (30 Chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breathes). Continue until help arrives
• If the person is unconscious but breathing put them in the recovery position with their head lower than their body.
• If they are conscious try and keep them warm. If you can remove wet clothes and give them something dry to put on as they are at risk of hypothermia.