The police have thanked members of the public and the RNLI following a successful Water Safety Day which was held in Penzance at the weekend. 

Hundreds of people turned up for the event off the coast by the Penzance Promenade.

Police officers from the Neighbourhood Police team and Devon and Cornwall’s Police’s Dive team were on hand to speak to visitors and answer any questions.

Joining Devon and Cornwall Police were partners including RNLO Penlee Lifeboat Station, HM Coastguard, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, Cornwall Council, National Coastwatch Institution, RNLI events and water safety team along with the RNLI shop, Mor Swimmy and other local businesses.

Falmouth Packet: A crew member from HM Coastguard Search and Rescue A crew member from HM Coastguard Search and Rescue (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

Organised by Penzance Police and Safer Penzance, the open to all, free event included emergency service teams who provided a ‘behind the scenes’ look at some of the kits including police vehicles and more.

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Water demonstrations by the Police Dive Team and the RNLI, the Coastguard helicopter and the Border Force were watched by people gathering on the promenade.

Olly Bayliss, Community Safety Officer from Penzance Safer said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come out and chat to us.

Falmouth Packet: Cheers from the RNLI crew! Cheers from the RNLI crew! (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

“We had many different water users from all ages and their families coming up to check out the kit and find out more about how to keep yourself and others safe, as well as the impressive work being done in partnership locally such as the designated swim zones and the pontoon project which people might not know about.

“The weather was good to us, so we were super happy and excited to see the water demonstrations go ahead and impress the crowd! Our work is far from done so we will be back next year again promoting the same 'Respect the Water' message.”

The public is reminded to keep safe by following the Water Safety Code which advises people to:

  • 1. Stop and think, spot the dangers
  • 2. Stay close and stay together
  • 3. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

To find out more about what police are doing in your area, sign up for the DC Alert https://www.alerts.dc.police.uk