Stay Safe Around Open Water This Summer

With warmer weather, more people are visiting lakes, rivers, reservoirs, canals, and other open water locations. While they may look inviting, open water can be extremely dangerous.

Safety Advice: 

🏊 Never enter water to cool off unless it is a designated, supervised swimming area. 

🌡️ Water temperatures can be much colder than expected, causing cold water shock and difficulty breathing. 

🛟 Avoid swimming alone and never enter the water after consuming alcohol or drugs. 

🚫 Do not jump, dive, or tombstone into open water. Hidden obstacles and shallow depths can cause serious injury. 

👀 Keep a close eye on children and ensure they stay away from water's edge. 

📱 Take a mobile phone with you in case of emergency.

If someone gets into difficulty: 

✅ Call 999 immediately and ask for the appropriate emergency service. 

✅ Encourage them to float on their back and remain calm. 

✅ If possible, throw something that floats and tell them to hold on. 

❌ Do not enter the water yourself. Many people drown attempting a rescue.

Enjoy the outdoors, but remember that lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and canals can be unpredictable and dangerous.