Water safety

Dear Residents,

As we enter the summer months, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors with family and friends. Unfortunately, this period also brings a noticeable increase in incidents involving open water, often with tragic consequences.

During the final week of May, several heartbreaking fatalities were reported across the UK, involving individuals getting into difficulty in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas. These incidents serve as a stark reminder that open water can pose significant and often underestimated risks. Young people, in particular, may be drawn to these locations during warmer weather without fully understanding the hidden dangers.

While open water can appear calm, inviting, and safe, the reality is very different. Cold water shock, strong currents, sudden drops in depth, submerged hazards, and poor visibility can all quickly turn a seemingly enjoyable situation into a life-threatening one. Even strong swimmers can find themselves in difficulty.

I would like to urge all parents, carers, and guardians to have open and honest conversations with young people about the dangers associated with open water. Encouraging awareness and responsible behaviour is vital. Simple advice—such as avoiding swimming in unsupervised areas, never entering the water alone, and knowing what to do in an emergency—can help save lives.

If you see someone in trouble, remember: Call 999 immediately and ask for the appropriate emergency service. Do not enter the water yourself. Instead, try to assist from a safe distance by throwing something that floats or using a reach aid if available.

By working together and raising awareness, we can help prevent further tragedies and ensure everyone enjoys the summer safely.

Thank you 

Kind regards 

PCSO ILMA