Taipei City Fire Department

On July 8th 10:30am, the deputy commissioner of Taipei City Fire Department, Hsu Ching Sheng went to comfort local volunteers for their devotion of rescuing services and upholding water safety under Wai Shuang Xi Bi Xi Bridge, Lane 150, Section 3, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City. It’s our honor to greet for their dedication of sacrificing their own time and put effort into citizens’ water safety.
With extreme high temperature during the summer time, people often look out for mountain and water activities to escape from the heat. However, heavy rains often occur in the afternoon that can result in high precipitation and cause debris flow or serious flooding in downstream area. For example, 2016, June 5, there was an incident of 5 people drowning in Pingling District, New Taipei city. The accident was aroused from heavy rain in upstream mountain area and cause water level increase in downstream area. Beside, stationary frontal surface plus convection rain happens easily during spring and summer that could put citizens in danger in water activities.
For this accident, Taipei City Fire Department cooperated with professional weather association to monitor the climate change. At the same time, Ocean Lifeguard Association, Taipei City Volunteer fire brigade, 4th district HQs, the Red Cross Society of the Taiwan and 4 other non-governmental rescue organizations were all out to secure the water safety under the Bi Xi Bridge at the temporarily alert station. They help out instant accidents and promote the water safety recognition to prevent serious incident. In addition, Taipei city fire department also assigned fire fighters patrolling around popular water activities locations to promote safety recognition and warn people to keep off the river bank in downstream area when there is heavy rain in upstream area.
Taipei City fire Department strongly announced that citizens should only plat in the pool with qualified lifeguard on duty and be familiar with the following 10 ways to prevent drowning:
1.It’s important to find legal locations that has certified lifeguards and staffs.
2.To avoid dangerous activities like jump off from high into water (diving).
3.The water volume varies significantly along the lake and river so be careful if you are having water activities.
4.Do not get alone and pay attention to your accompanies’ position.
5.Please warm up before entering the water and do not wear jeans.
6.Do not prank or trick others in the water.
7.Do not play in the water if you are body is tired.
8.Do not soak in water for too long to avoid hypothermia.
9.Pay attention to the weather report to stay away from water for bad weather condition.
10.In case of drowning, practice floating techniques.
5 steps to follow to rescue drowning people:
1.Yell (loud for help)
2.Call (dial 119 110 112 118)
3.Reach (Extending objects, e.g. Bamboo sticks)
4.Toss (toss floating objects towards victims. E.g. ball, rope or container)
5.Row (row over to rescue. E.g. boat, life buoy, floats)