Figures show that between 2019 and 2024, 1,602 people in the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents. 56% (901) occurred in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Alarmingly, half of people of who drown had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips and falls identified as a leading cause. Evidence and Data | National Water Safety Forum
Please follow our advice and stay safe when near or in water as there may be some hazards which you are unaware of.
What is our advice
NEVER
- Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.
- Never interfere with lifesaving equipment – you never know when it might be needed
- Never enter the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Never jump straight into open water. This can cause potentially fatal cold-water shock even on the warmest day
ALWAYS
- Always pay attention to warning signs and flags
- Always look out for people you are with, make sure they are safe
- Always take care when walking or running near water, especially when the paths are muddy or icy
REMEMBER
- There are often hidden dangers beneath the surface such as plants, bikes, trolleys and broken glass
- Dogs generally get out of the water themselves, do not be tempted to go in after them – if you have a concern ring 999 and ask for the fire service
If you see someone in difficulty:
- Shout for help and dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service at inland water sites or the Coast Guard if you’re at the beach.
- Reach with a long stick, a scarf, clothes or anything else. Crouch or lie down to avoid being pulled in.
- Throw a rope – you can then pull in the person. Otherwise throw something that will float – a ball, a plastic bottle or a lifebuoy.
- Do not jump in to try to save them.
For more information visit the following websites:
Visit the Royal Life Saving Society website for more information
Visit the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) website for more information
Water Safety in North Yorkshire
We have recently teamed up with regional partners to create a new Water Safety video presentation which we can take into schools and other educational settings.
You can read all about this on our event page here
Module 1 of our water safety presentation is on Youtube, please give it a watch, you might even find it interesting.
This project was only made possible with help from
Campaigns
We get involved in lots of national and local water safety campaigns, these include
- Be Water Aware
- Drowning Prevention Week
- International Drowning Prevention Day
- Don’t Drink and Drown
For more information keep an eye on our events page to see what we are up to
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