Parent/Carer Safety Alert: Staying safe around open water

Parent/Carer Safety Alert:
Staying safe around open water

As the weather gets warmer and the summer holidays approach, many families naturally head outdoors to cool off. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea can look inviting, especially during periods of prolonged hot weather, but they can also be extremely dangerous.

Sadly, recent weeks have seen a number of tragic incidents across the UK involving children, teenagers and adults losing their lives in open water. During the May half-term and early summer heatwave, at least 17 people died after getting into difficulty in rivers, lakes and coastal waters, many of them young people. Water safety experts have described the recent deaths as a “public health disaster”.

Why is open water so dangerous?

Unlike swimming pools, open water is unpredictable. Even on very hot days, the water itself can remain surprisingly cold. Entering cold water suddenly can cause cold water shock, leading to involuntary gasping, panic and difficulty breathing. This can affect even strong swimmers.

Other hidden dangers include:

Strong currents and undertows.
Sudden drops in depth.
Underwater obstacles and debris.
Slippery banks and edges.
Water quality and poor visibility.
Isolation, with no lifeguards or immediate help available.

Data from the Water Incident Database shows that 57% of accidental drowning fatalities occur in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, making them the most common locations for these tragedies. In 2025, there were 202 accidental drowning deaths in the UK, with the highest numbers occurring during the summer months.

Talking to children and teenagers

Teenagers are particularly at risk, and recent figures show drowning deaths among 13-17-year-olds have increased significantly in recent years.

Simple conversations can make a real difference. Encourage your child to:

Never swim alone.
Avoid jumping into unknown water.
Stay away from reservoirs, quarries and fast-flowing rivers.
Only swim where lifeguards are present.
Avoid taking risks to impress friends.
Tell an adult where they are going.

If you get into trouble

The Royal Life Saving Society UK and RNLI promote the Float to Live message:

Tilt your head back.
Relax and try to control your breathing.
Move your hands and legs gently to stay afloat.
Once breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if possible.

If someone else is in trouble

Remember:

Phone – Float – Throw

Phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard if at the coast, or Fire and Rescue Service if inland.
Encourage the person to float on their back.
Throw something that floats to them if possible.

Never enter the water yourself, as many people lose their lives attempting rescues.

If your dog gets into difficulty

Many people instinctively jump into the water to rescue a beloved pet, but this can put both the owner and the animal at serious risk. Tragically, there have been several incidents where people have lost their lives after entering open water to save their dogs.

Dogs are usually strong swimmers and often manage to make their way back to shore unaided. If your dog gets into difficulty:

Do not enter the water after them.
Move to a place where your dog can safely exit the water and call them towards you.
Alert the emergency services by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard (at the coast) or Fire and Rescue Service (inland).
If possible, throw a floating object towards your dog, but do not put yourself in danger.

Remember: You are far more difficult to rescue than your pet. Keeping yourself safe gives you the best chance of helping your dog once they are back on land.

The RNLI’s advice is simple:

“If your dog goes into the water, don’t go in after them.”

Further support and guidance

There are some excellent resources available to help families and young people stay safe around water:

🌊 Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
General water safety advice, including beach safety and the “Float to Live” campaign.
RNLI Water Safety

🛟 RNLI – know the risks
Information about the dangers of open water, cold water shock, and what to do in an emergency.
RNLI: Know the Risks

📚 RNLI water safety resources
Downloadable guides, activities and resources for parents, schools and young people.
RNLI Water Safety Resources

🏊 Swim Safe UK
Free sessions for children aged 7–14, teaching essential open water safety skills and how to stay safe around the water.
Swim Safe UK

🛟 Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
Advice on water safety, drowning prevention and the “Float to Live” message.
RLSS UK Water Safety Hub

A conversation that could save a life - enjoy the summer safely

As we head into periods of warmer weather and the summer holidays, we encourage all parents and carers to take a few minutes to discuss water safety with their children. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea may look calm and inviting, but conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly.

A simple conversation today could prevent a tragedy tomorrow. 🌞🌊🛟