FIREFIGHTERS will be holding a week of action to drive home the message of water safety and how to prevent drowning.

The event run by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service from Monday (April 13) comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of three Durham University students in the River Wear in the past year.

Swift water rescue crews were involved in the search and recovery of students Euan Coulthard who died in January 2015, Sope Peters in October 2014 and Luke Pearce in May 2014.

The focus of Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week – the first time the Chief Fire Officers’ Association campaign has been co-ordinated nationally - falls on inland water, namely rivers, reservoirs, lakes, canals as well as water-filled quarries.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and reduce preventable water fatalities targeting the 16 to 30 age group in particular.

Research shows that nationally the highest number of water related deaths in 2013 occurred within the 20 to 24 years’ age group.

Five issues have been identified as key to water safety. They are cold water shock, dangers beneath the water surface, currents or water conditions, alcohol consumption and swimming competency.

Andy Bruce, assistant community protection and prevention manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As we know only too well in this region, water safety is of the highest importance.

“We hope that by highlighting the fatal five dangers during Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week, we will stress the importance of taking care near inland waterways.

“The events the service has planned also aim to remind young people, in particular, to look out for themselves and their friends to prevent any more lives being cut short in such tragic accidents.”

The Chester-le-Street Rowing Club will be helping the service to promote the issues of water safety on the River Wear, from 5pm on Monday, while a video installation will be on Framwellgate Bridge, in Durham City from 10am to 3pm on Thursday and Friday.

A selection of beer mats listing the fatal five water safety messages will also be distributed to Durham University and to riverside bars in Durham City to remind drinkers of the dangers in the coming weeks.