LIFEBOAT volunteers have joined forces with other emergency services to host a water safety demonstration aimed at schoolchildren.

Pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School were given a demonstration as part of 'Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week' organised by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) on Monday, April 23 at the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Hoylake.

Volunteers from the RNLI Hovercraft crew and UK Coastguard staged a mud rescue outside the station to show how they respond to emergency situations and encouraged the youngsters to call 999 or 112 if they ever found themselves in difficulty.

During the day, children were also given a tour of the Shannon Lifeboat and were shown lifeguard equipment while hearing stories of local rescues.

RNLI coxswain Andy Dodd said: "It’s fantastic to work alongside other agencies to teach younger generations in the local community how to stay safe around the water.

"We hope this will help us achieve our target of reducing drowning by 50% by 2024."

A fire engine was also brought to the event by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) to give pupils insight into the equipment firefighters use during water rescues.

MFRS station manager and lead for water safety Steven Pang said: "Nearly half of people who accidentally drown in the UK never intended to enter the water, so it is imperative that young people are aware of the risks and take action accordingly."

There are plans to launch a 'Merseyside Water Safety Forum' in the forthcoming weeks, in conjunction with RNLI, to continue to educate people across the region on how to stay safe in the water.