Staff from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue will be swapping fire helmets for swimming caps next week as they prepare to swim the equivalent of the perimeter of South Yorkshire (170 miles) to raise money for two incredible causes – The Fire Fighters Charity and The Royal Life Saving Society.

People from across the organisation, from frontline firefighters to corporate staff, have pledged that they will swim anything from 100 metres to several miles to support the Big SYFR Swim challenge which runs from 22-29 May.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby said: “I’m really looking forward to swimming with my colleagues for such important causes.

“Sadly, people drown in our county every year. When these incidents occur it is incredibly traumatic for the family affected but also their community and our firefighters who attend in such distressing circumstances.

“Every life lost is one too many. That’s why we decided to support the Royal Life Saving Society and the work they do in helping people learn how to swim and enjoy the water safely.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has a proud history of helping to reducing the number of lives lost to drowning.

Their mission is to be the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and Republic of Ireland, aiming to give everyone the potential to save lives and enjoy water, safely.

“I’m delighted that we are also supporting the Fire Fighters Charity who do such amazing work for firefighters and their families across the UK.”

The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to live happier and healthier lives.

The charity supports serving fire service personnel and their families as well as those who are retired and provides them with information, advice and support whenever they need it.

You can donate to the Big SYFR Swim here.

Visit our website for more information about how to enjoy water, safely.