Water Safety Advice

The tragic deaths by drowning of teenagers at inland water sites during the recent hot weather highlights the vital importance of being aware of and sharing water safety advice. Around 60% of accidental drownings in the UK occur at inland water sites such as rivers, reservoirs, canals and lakes, including former quarry lakes or water filled voids that have resulted from mineral workings.  

Follow the latest water safety advice from the RNLI and the National Water Safety Forum to help protect yourself and please share them with your own friends, family and local communities:

If you see someone in trouble in the water, never enter the water yourself to attempt a rescue, remain safe yourself and remember PHONE…FLOAT…THROW.

• PHONE 999 to get help
• FLOAT tell them to stay calm and float on their back
• THROW them something that floats to help them until the emergency services arrive, do not enter the water.

Watch and share this video.

What to do if you are in trouble in water - FLOAT TO LIVE

• Tilt your head back submerging your ears
• Relax and try to control your breathing
• Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
• Your legs may sink – that’s OK. Everyone floats differently
• Practise floating at a supervised location like a swimming pool.

Watch and share this RNLI video.

Cold Water Shock is a killer:

• Sudden immersion in cold water can cause you to gasp involuntarily and inhale water, a rapid increase in breathing and the onset of panic. A deadly combination that can drown even strong swimmers
• Even in mid-summer, the water in many quarry lakes will be well below 15°C, causing cold water shock.
• If also causes finger stiffness (making it difficult to climb out), reduced coordination (making it difficult to swim/tread water) and general muscle weakness.

Read and share this leaflet and poster.

Water in active and disused quarries is likely to be dangerous because:

• The water in quarry lakes can be very deep and very cold with sudden, unexpected changes in depth due to shelving and steep or crumbling sides making it difficult to exit.
• Submerged machinery or rocks can injure jumpers or swimmers. Underwater plants, machinery or debris that can trap you. There are currents or powerful underwater pumps.
• Dead animals / animal excrement may be in the water causing disease or pollution/high alkalinity causing rashes, irritation and stomach problems. Poisonous algae can be present.

Download this flyer and share.

Visit these sites for more up-to-date information and resources:

• National Water Safety Forum – Phone Float Throw
• RNLI - Float to Live