The National Police Air Service (NPAS) South West are the latest group to take part in RNLI Penarth's Waterside Responder sessions, designed to teach life-saving skills to members of the local community who work close to water.

The scheme is designed to equip members of the community with the knowledge of what to do if they spot somebody in difficulty in the water. The sessions cover how to spot the signs of a person in difficulty in the water, and how to take action without putting themselves or others at risk.

Participants are trained in how to use lifesaving equipment such as throw bags, a rescue device used to pass a line to someone who is in the water.

The National Police Air Service provides police forces with air support, assisting with tasks such as vehicle pursuits and searching for suspects and missing people. Previous Waterside Responder sessions have been attended by local businesses and members of South Wales Police.

To register interest in taking part in the sessions, email [email protected].

Neil Cunningham, Water Safety Officer at RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station, said: "People who work in services like the NPAS are often already in the close vicinity when somebody finds themselves in difficulty in the water. The aim of this scheme is to equip them with the knowledge and skills to know what to do in these situations.

"Knowing how to spot the signs of someone in difficulty in the water and being able to use equipment like throw bags can buy vital time and greatly increase the chances of survival."