Water safety advice

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.

Open water

• Water may look calm, but there can be strong undercurrents hidden under the surface.

• Even if water feels warm when you test it out for the temperature, can be freezing just a few feet further below.

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 common in unregulated bodies of water, which can lead to secondary drowning and illness.       

• RNLI - safety advice (opens in new window).

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

Stay safe near water

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

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

• Never swim alone, particularly 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.