CREWS at Weston Fire Station, part of Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS), have unveiled coast-themed fire engine artwork which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of seaside sites.

So far this year, crews have performed more than seven rescues with the Service’s hovercraft in and around the Weston-super-Mare area.

With summer drawing to a close, AF&RS are getting ahead of next year’s tourist rush with their new safety-inspired design.

Firefighters on Weston’s White Watch said: “We’re so pleased to see a new design on our truck, particularly one that represents our iconic coastline and raises awareness of the dangers.”

With four panels, the design covers important water safety points: • Don’t muddy the memories – take great care when walking, obey warning signs and avoid the mud at the coast at all times.

• If someone is in trouble, call 999 – do not enter the water or mud to help the person or animal, instead call 999 and offer help from a place of safety.

• Have you checked the tide times? Be sure to check when the tide is due to come in to avoid getting caught out.

• Take care at the coast – make only happy memories at the seaside. Weston crews added: “Always remember that if someone gets into difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

“We’re here to help you alongside our emergency services colleagues, but please take care and make good memories at the beach.”

This fire engine is the third in a series of water safety themed designs, launched by the service to support their objective of helping people stay safer in and around local waters.

For more information and water safety advice, visit the AF&RS website: https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/water-safety