The University of Northampton has been recognised by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for its commitment to water safety and the support its work has provided to emergency services across Northamptonshire.
The University’s Campus Safety Team received a certificate of best practice from the RNLI in recognition of the water safety work carried out over the past year, including the successful application of lifesaving skills learned through the Waterside Responder Course.
Delivered by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Waterside Responder Course equips organisations located near water with the knowledge and confidence to respond safely to incidents before emergency services arrive. Participants learn vital techniques, including how to encourage someone in difficulty to float on their back to counter the effects of cold-water shock, as well as how to use a throw line effectively.
The training proved invaluable for the University’s Campus Safety Team when they were able to put their skills into practice during an incident on the nearby River Nene, helping to rescue a person from the water.
The RNLI presented certificates to both the University of Northampton and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service at Fire Service Headquarters on Wednesday 24 June, recognising the impact of their collaborative efforts to improve water safety and protect local communities.
In attendance to represent the University of Northampton were Security Systems & Operations Manager Lee Johnson, Head of Commercial and Soft Services Chris Rockall, and Security & Community Safety Officer Jack Roche.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Becky Bradshaw said: “This recognition from the RNLI is a fantastic testament to the commitment and skill of the University’s Campus Safety Team.
“It’s wonderful to see the team’s dedication to water safety being acknowledged in such a public way, especially given the positive impact their work has had for both our community and local emergency services.
“Here at the University of Northampton, our greatest priority is to keep our staff, students and wider community safe, and we are proud of our continued working relationship with Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service to prioritise safety – both in and out of the water.”
The recognition highlights the importance of partnership working between the University, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and the RNLI, helping to ensure that more people have the skills and confidence to respond effectively in waterside emergencies.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue’s Prevention Team Leader, Darren Carson said: “We’ve had a real mix of organisations who have signed up to take part in Waterside Responder training, crucially who are located next to water.
“Many of these locations are rural, so it buys vital time and increases chances of survival.
“I’m really proud the course we’ve delivered has saved people from danger in the water and the fantastic partnerships we’ve made with the organisations across the county who contribute to keeping our community safe.”
By investing in water safety training and preparedness, the University continues to play an important role in supporting emergency services and helping to keep its campus and local community safe.