|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Water Safety Week 2026 - South Wales Police |
||
|
Good Afternoon.,
This week is Water Safety Week, which is also known as Drowning Prevention Week, is a summer water safety campaign across the UK and Ireland that happens every year. In 2026, this campaign will run from the 14th to the 21st of June. The main goal of Water Safety Week is to teach people the necessary skills and knowledge that they need to be safe and have fun in the water.
What is the Importance of Water Safety?On average, around 400 people drown in the UK each year. Often, we underestimate just how dangerous the water can really be. Whether it be a lake, ocean, or swimming pool, being in any body of water poses a range of risks. Drowning, in its essence, is when too much water gets into the lungs, which then prevents oxygen from getting to the blood. This, in turn, means that there is a lack of oxygen getting to the brain and the rest of the body. Another scary thing about drowning is how quickly it can happen. In fact. It can take less than 2 minutes after a person is submerged underwater for them to completely drown. This is why teaching kids all about water safety is so important. What are the 4 Parts of the Water Safety Code?Teaching your kids all about the water safety code is a great way to kick off Water Safety Week in 2026. The code has all of the information that kids need to enjoy their time in the water whilst still keeping their wits about them and staying safe. It is also really reassuring for parents letting their kids going in the water, as they can be sure that they have all of the tools they need to stay safe.
The 4 parts of the Water Safety Code are: Spot the dangerMake sure to check for hazards. If you are in a swimming pool, stay in whichever depth you are comfortable with. If you are in open water, make sure to stay close to land. Always read the signs, they are not there to be ignored. Make sure there is a lifeguard present before you go into the water. Wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket if you need one. Swimming with your friends and family is much safer than going in alone, as they are able to get help in the event of an emergency. Find the nearest phone and call either 999 or 112 to get help. Shout loudly to get the attention of people who can help. Leave the saving to the lifeguards: never go into the water yourself to try and help someone. Important Water Safety RulesHere are some more important rules for staying safe in the water: If you are on rocky, rough, or uneven surfaces, make sure to wear protective footwear. If you are in the open water, don't swim out too far. Pretending to drown is not funny, and should not be done as a joke. Try not to bring glass containers to the beach. If glass breaks and gets mixed into the sand, it can make walking very dangerous. When in the sea, always face the waves, instead of turning your back on them. Before you try going into the water, especially open water, make sure you know how to swim. Some of the Biggest Dangers Associated with the WaterAlways make sure that you are wearing plenty of sun protection before venturing outside. This is especially important if you are going into the water because the reflection from the water makes the sun's rays stronger, meaning you are more likely to burn. When you’re swimming, it can be easy to get dehydrated. This is why it is so important to drink water to stay on top of your hydration. At the first sight of a storm, you should get out of the water. If lightning strikes the water while you are in it, the consequences can be fatal. Don't swim in the dark. If you can’t see where you are going or what is around you, you are more likely to get lost.
Please note, that South Wales Listens is not a crime reporting tool. In an emergency, if you or your property are at risk, or a crime is in progress call 999. Do you need to speak to the police but don’t require an emergency response? You can make an online report via our website https://www.south-wales.police.uk, send us a private message via Live Chat, or call 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
| ||
Reply to this message | ||
|
|
