Be water aware

Drowning is amongst the leading causes of accidental death in the UK. We want to make people safer by making them aware of the risks and dangers when around water, what to do if they fall into water and how to help someone who is in trouble in water.

The National Water Safety Forum and Water Incident Database (WAID) have provided us with some facts:

• 236 people accidentally died from drowning in 2023 in the UK and Ireland.

• 50% of those who accidentally drowned in 2023 did not intend to enter the water.

• 59% of these accidental drownings happen in inland water.

• The fatalities occurred most commonly to individuals in the age ranges 15-29, 60-63 and 70-74.

• June, July and August were the most common months for these fatalities.

Dangers - open water

• The water may look calm on the surface but there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water.

• The water may feel warm on the surface, but just a few feet below it can be icy cold.  Cold water shock can affect the stamina and strength of swimmers, leading to loss of muscle control, hypothermia and inhalation of water within minutes.

• Debris and disease are also common in unregulated bodies of water, which can lead to secondary drowning and illness.

What to do if you see someone in trouble in the water

Shout

• Are you in trouble?

• Can you swim - swim towards me?

• Can you stand up?

• Can you float on your back?

Reach

• Use an object like sticks, something you can let go of if you become in danger yourself

• Lie down or crouch so you are not pulled into the water

Throw

• What can we throw to them? Anything that floats and can be held onto to keep them above water

  • Throwlines (floating lines)

  • Footballs

  • Rings

Don’t go!!

• Do not be tempted to enter the water, keep eyes on the casualty and call 999.

• Try and give the best location or use What3Words (what3words.com).

How to use a water rescue throwline

Using a throwline:

1. Get the throwline.

2. Hold the end of the line in one hand and the bag in your other hand.

3. Throw the bag so that it lands beyond the casualty.

4. Shout to the casualty to grab hold of the line - not the bag.

5. Once they have a good grip, stabilise yourself and pull them to safety.

6. Wait for assistance before trying to lift the casualty from the water

If YOU fall into deep water - FLOAT

The RNLI have further resources on their Float To Live campaign.

• If you fall into deep water, you should lie on your back and FLOAT

• Fight the instinct to panic or swim

• Lie back and keep your airways clear, push your stomach up and extend your limbs, moving hands and feet to help keep you afloat.

• Try to control the effects of cold water shock, such as the gasping reflex. Once your breathing is controlled, shout for help and, if possible, try making your way towards safety.

Key safety tips for staying safe near water

• Alcohol and drugs do not mix with swimming - stay away from water if you have are under the influence.

• Never swim alone in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.

• Never leave children unsupervised near any body of water.

• Never interfere with lifesaving equipment - you might need it yourself.

• Swimming anywhere other than at purpose-built and supervised areas, such as swimming pools or beaches with lifeguards is highly dangerous.

Open water swimming safety advice

RNLI - safety advice (opens in new window)

National water safety forum - safety advice (opens in new window)

Join a club for open water swimming

For anyone wishing to pursue open water swimming, there are a number of clubs that offer supervised sessions.

To find out more, or to locate a club near you, visit:

British Swimming (opens in new window)

Swimming lessons

Swim England - Find swimming lessons with Poolfinder (opens in new window)

Campaigns

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting a number of water safety campaigns:

• Be Water Aware Week

• RNLI Float To Live Awareness Week

• Drowning Prevention Week

• World Drowning Prevention Day

• RLSS Don't Drink and Drown

• Winter Water Safety Awareness

Useful links