Summer Water Safety Special

A SUMMER TO ENJOY – AND A SUMMER TO RESPECT

Every summer thousands of families head to beaches, rivers, lakes and beauty spots to cool down and make memories. Sadly, for some families those memories become heartbreak. During the UK school holiday period from May, around 20 people lost their lives in drowning incidents.

Many of these tragedies involved ordinary people who never expected to get into difficulty.

Drowning is often silent, fast and preventable.

Nearly twenty years ago, Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE lost her 15-year-old son, Chris, to drowning. Rather than allowing that tragedy to define her family, she founded River And Sea Sense and has since helped educate more than 950,000 children, young people and adults across the UK about staying safe around water. Her message is simple: knowledge gives people the chance to make safer decisions before an emergency happens.

Open water is very different from a swimming pool. Rivers can hide powerful currents. Quarries and reservoirs remain dangerously cold all year. Lakes conceal weeds, debris and sudden drops. Even confident swimmers can quickly become casualties if they underestimate the hazards.

Summer Water Safety Essentials

• Cold Water Shock: Cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and panic. Fight the urge to swim immediately.
• Float to Live: Lean back, keep your ears under the water, spread your arms and legs, relax and control your breathing until the effects of cold water shock pass.
• Underwater Hazards: Hidden rocks, shopping trolleys, branches, weeds, fishing line, glass and sudden drop-offs cannot be seen from the surface
• Rivers: Fast currents, slippery banks and changing depths make rivers unpredictable
• Reservoirs & Quarries: Steep sides, freezing temperatures and difficult exits make these among the UK's most dangerous places to swim
• Swimming Pools: Constant adult supervision is essential. Never rely on armbands or inflatables as life-saving devices.
• Tombstoning: Never jump from bridges, cliffs or high ledges. Hidden rocks and shallow water can cause life-changing injuries or death.
• Peer Pressure: Never take risks to impress friends or for social media. Walk away if something feels unsafe.
• Inflatables: Lilos and inflatable toys can be blown into deep water in seconds and should not be used on rivers, lakes or the sea.
• Know Where Your Children Are: Know who they are with, where they are going, whether water is nearby and when they will return.

Parent Summer Checklist:

• Talk about water safety before children leave home.
• Choose lifeguarded beaches whenever possible.
• Keep younger children within arm's reach near water.
• Carry a charged mobile phone.
• If someone gets into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard at the coast or Fire and Rescue for inland water.

REMEMBER:

Most drownings are preventable. A simple conversation, understanding the dangers and making safe choices can save a life.

This summer, enjoy the water — but always respect it.

Visit riverandseasense for more.