London Fire Brigade launches Water Safety Centre for Excellence at Twickenham Fire Station

We are excited to announce the launch of the Water Safety Centre for Excellence at Twickenham Fire Station, led by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

The centre aims to educate and encourage safe engagement with the River Thames, following the tragic loss of 14-year-old Brian Sasu.

The event welcomed Year 7 pupils from St Mark’s School, where Brian was a student. The pupils participated in a water safety education session led by the LFB education team. 

During the day, Borough Commander Robert Davies demonstrated the Twickenham Big River Flume tank. Donated by the JBA Trust, the tank showcases how the Thames’ currents can quickly become dangerous and provided an opportunity for students to learn about the unseen dangers of the river such as cold water shock. Students toured the fire station and learned how to use the throwline bags installed along the 22.5-mile stretch of the Thames in our borough. 

They were also taught about the Float to Live technique, a five-step process to improve survival chances in an emergency, and were given suggestions for enjoying the water safely, such as swimming in local pools, joining swim groups, or paddle boarding.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said, “Recent tragedies have reminded us just how dangerous the Thames can be. Our partnership with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been instrumental. Together, we’ve installed emergency throwline boards across the borough, giving the public access to lifesaving equipment and enabling faster rescues."

The day underscored the importance of partnership and collaboration. Councillor Roberts was joined by the Richmond Council Chief Executive, and representatives from the Greater London Authority and RNLI. Working together is essential to ensure community safety and by equipping our partners with the necessary tools and fostering safety education, we are committed to preventing further tragedies and ensuring the wellbeing of our residents.

Read more information about water safety in the borough.