Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death the country, in recent years our crews have attended several high profile and tragic drownings, we take water safety extremely seriously and aim to provide safety advice ahead of the warmer months when these incidents increase.
Figures from the Water Incident Database 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. reveal around
Many people also underestimate the dangers of jumping into water or taking a dip to cool off especially those with limited experience of outdoor swimming. Unseen hazards and cold water shock can mean even strong swimmers get into trouble.
We want people to enjoy time in, on and around the water safely. Every year people drown
in coastal and inland waters but many of these deaths are preventable.
Water Safety Campaign 2026
We have joined forces with North Yorkshire Council on a water safety campaign for summer 2026.
The campaign has been back by record-breaking adventurer Jasmine Harrison and includes a series of videos with a firefighter from Richmond.
Watch the videos with firefighter Toni below.
Stay safe in the water
Transcript
Sometimes when you get to a job, especially in deep, fast flowing water, you are only human at the end of the day and it can be quite scary. So this is why we urge you not to go into the water and it is something that we do think like we have to work out what way we’re going to get there safely and it is absolutely terrifying. So that’s why we say please be as safe as you can in the water because not only are you putting yourselves at risk, you are putting those that absolutely want to help you and that is what we are here for. but we are human and we have families.
Parents and Guardians
Transcript
For parents, both of teenagers or young children, we urge parents to just reiterate the dangers of the water. Tell them there’s deep water, you might think you can swim, but if you’re caught in the cold, the swimming, the exhaustion, if you have been having a good time for a long time, if you have been unfortunately under the influence of any alcohol or drugs, it’s being mindful your body doesn’t act the same either. So be mindful, For little children as well, you think, right, we’re only paddling the steep pools that we might not even be visually be able to see. So always having children at arm’s length, but also reiterate to the children, do not go out of my sight, do not go somewhere. Tell children about the dangers of water, not to scare them, but for them to remain safe.
What to do in an emergency
Transcript:
So what to do in the event of emergency? So if you do see someone come in trouble in the water, I urge you to immediately ring 999. Never go into the water yourself. When you ring 999, ask for fire and rescue. If you can, throw something that floats to the person in need, whether that be a floating ball, an inflatable, if you can get one of the buoys, please get that in and ask them if they can float on the back like a starfish, try and keep their breaths nice and calm and help will be on the way. But as a matter of urgency, 999 and never ever put yourself in danger.
Hidden Dangers
Transcript:
So the hidden risk that we have within the water is we have not knowing the depths of the water, so you might completely be out of your depth. We then have strong undercurrents and we also have objects and hidden objects underneath. So whether that be something you might jump onto and hurt yourself or whether you could then get entrapped into that object.
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Staying safe around open water
North Yorkshire boasts some of the countries most beautiful coastal and inland water beauty spots, and we as service encourage people to visit and enjoy them, however open water can be very dangerous if not treated with respect.
Below we’ve listed advice and produced resources for people to use to stay safe whilst enjoying the water sites our county has to offer.
NEVER
- Never swim alone in case you need help
- Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if inland and the Coastguard if you are at the coast
- Never dive or jump straight into open water, you can't always see the dangers that lurk beneath the surface, this can also cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day and will restrict your ability to swim
AVOID
- Avoid drinking alcohol when undertaking water related activities, it impairs judgement and your ability to swim
- Avoid walking routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol, especially in poorly lit areas
ALWAYS
- Always actively supervise children in and around water - drowning can happen fast and silently
- Always look after your friends who are worse for wear and make sure you help them get home
- Always plan how you are getting home before you start your night out
- Always stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge
REMEMBER
- If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic, extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effect of cold water shock passes
- Alcohol reduces inhibitions and can lead to risky behaviour; it will also impair judgement and control which could reduce your ability to respond to emergencies.
- Take care if your running route/ dog walking route is near water
- Ring 999 and ask for the Fire Service, unless its coastal and then ask for the Coastguard
CONSIDER
- Consider using GPS Apps like What3Words to let the 999 operators know exactly where you are.
Open water swimming
Variously termed ‘wild’ and ‘open water’ swimming, this activity is not new but is enjoying something of a revival in the UK. Open water can be used to describe rivers, lakes, natural pools and the sea.
Recreational use of water should be encouraged, but equally it is important to enjoy the activity safely. Each year, on average 19 people drown when swimming in open water.
Top tips for safer open water swimming
- Join a club and gain from the experience of others
- Choose a safe place to swim …at the beach, look for life-guarded areas, inland avoid swimming near to locks and weirs
- be visible …use a bright and neon swim hat
- Don’t stay in too long…and when you get out have warm, dry clothes so you can dry off and get your body temperature up to normal.
- Consider wearing a wet suit in cold water
- Don’t go alone or make sure people know where you are.
- Plan Access and Egress …walk into the water in order to allow your body temperature to adjust and to acclimatise and also plan a safe exit location in advance.
- Wash your hands and face with clean water or using wipes and alcohol gel when you get out and before you eat in case of any contamination or pollution
Open water swimming advice provided by the national water safety forum
What you can do if you get into trouble in open water
Remember float to live.
- If you start to struggle in the water save energy and fight the instinct to thrash around
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax, breathe normally
- Move your hands to help you float
- Spread your arms and legs out
- Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety
Flooding
Flooding can be dangerous for you, your family, and your property.
Many people in the UK live and work in places that could flood. Some may have already dealt with flooding and are aware that they are in flood-prone areas.
However, it’s crucial to remember that flash floods can occur unexpectedly in other places.
Flash floods are unpredictable, so it’s wise to consider what steps we can take to stay ready.
The following steps will help keep you safe around flood water.
- Check to see if you’re at risk of flooding in your area The Flood Hub
- If the flood is endangering your safety, contact emergency services right away.
- Avoid walking, swimming, or driving through floodwater. Fast-flowing water just six inches deep can easily knock you over, while as little as two feet of water can float a car.
- Make sure children do not play in or around floodwater.
- Stay away from floodwater as it could be contaminated with sewage.
- If you encounter it, make sure to wash your hands and clothes well with clean water.
For more advice on how to prepare for flooding visit Flooding UK: Prepare for floods | British Red Cross
What we’re doing
Utilising our water safety flumes we’ve demonstrated the hazards involved with open water and delivered water safety advice across the county at,
- Schools
- Community events
- Fire station open days
- Agricultural shows
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