Water Safety Message

We have received reports of youths jumping into the Scotsman Flash in Wigan resulting in ourselves and the fire service attending to ensure everyone was safe. 

As temperatures across the UK are set to rise again over the next two days, it can be tempting to cool off in open water. If you’re planning to take part in any water‑based activities, please choose a supervised location such as an outdoor pool or a lifeguarded beach.

As you can imagine, unsupervised swimming and activities in open waters are full of dangers and risk and you never know what is just beneath the surface which could cause injury. 

Parents and guardians are urged to ensure their children are not planning or currently entering open water areas, where conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s vital to educate young people about the risks—such as cold water shock, strong currents, and hidden hazards—so they understand the importance of staying safe and avoiding unnecessary danger.

• 202 people accidentally drowned in the UK in 2025. Don’t become a statistic — stay safe around water.

• Jumping into open water can be fatal. Cold water shock kills, and you never know what hazards lie beneath the surface.

• If you get into difficulty, remember Float to Live:

– Tilt your head back, ears submerged

– Relax and control your breathing

– Move your hands to help you stay afloat.

– It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.

– Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.

• If you see someone struggling in the water, think 'Call, Tell, Throw':

– Call 999 (ask for Fire if inland, Coastguard if by the sea)

– Tell the struggling person to float on their back

– Throw them something that floats

• Always take water safety signs and warnings seriously.

#Safe4Summer