Pupils get hands on experience at fire station's Safety in Action event

Around 600 children from 23 schools in the Rother area took part in the five day event held between March 14-18.

David Kemp, Head of Community Safety at ESFRS says the project aimed to teach children aged between 10 and 11 years how to deal with, or avoid, life threatening situations. “The emphasis was learning by experiencing risk – even if children made mistakes along the way,” he said. “Safety in Action provides a safe environment for children to learn how to avoid dangerous situations.”

The youngsters experienced various scenarios including road and personal safety; what to do with a casualty; reporting a fire and home based risks; the dangers of railway lines; water, alcohol, electrical and cycle safety. Bexhill College students helped with the scenarios and performed role plays.

After each scenario, schools were given a mark out of 20. Overall winner was Catsfield CE Primary School who received a cheque for £150, donated by Bexhill Lions Club, who also provided team leaders. Jonathan Elms, Deputy Headmaster said the school was ‘very proud’ of the winning pupils. The money will be used to fund outdoor games chosen by pupils. Each child receives a certificate and a workbook to reinforce the safety messages learned.

Sue Cassell, Bexhill Lions’ Youth Committee Chair said: “We are delighted to have been involved in this initiative, spreading the message of how to keep safe.”