RIVER death is the issue being tackled by a new campaign.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the campaign calling for no more river deaths, after 429 people drowned across England in the last year.

West Mercia Search and Rescue (WMSAR) are a charity, partially funded through a PCC grant who consist entirely of volunteers, and are regularly called to assist in water recoveries. They launched the Home and Dry Campaign, with the backing of the charity’s ambassador Kirsty Walsh, who was widowed with two children, after her young husband drowned.

WMSAR created a Water Safety Course suitable for all ages, with information on the dangers of water and how to rescue someone in trouble.

Commissioner John Campion said “There are too many avoidable water deaths across West Mercia, and I am committed to working with WMSAR to give our communities information and advice which will keep them safe.

“Accidental drownings pull resources from our emergency and volunteer services- the advice is simple- steer clear of open water. The commendable work of volunteers and the charity’s ambassador Kirsty Walsh has brought this important issue to light, and it’s important we build this awareness to have no more river deaths.”

For more information on the Home and Dry Campaign visit westmerciasar.org.uk/homeanddry/