The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is calling on the public to “Be Water Aware” as part of its annual campaign to prevent drowning and promote water safety across the UK.

Be Water Aware is supported by fire and rescue services and runs from 28 April to 4 May. It aims to raise awareness of the everyday risks around water and reduce the number of lives lost to accidental drowning each year,  and is timed to run as the warmer weather begins.

According to latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum’s (NWSF) Water Incident Database, in 2023 273 people in the UK lost their lives to accidental drowning. Around 40 per cent of those people had no intention of entering the water, with these drownings often as result of slips, trips and falls. NFCC is urging people to be safe in and around the water, following simple safety advice to reduce these preventable deaths, the majority of which occur in inland waters such as rivers and canals.

NFCC’s Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Lead, Chris Kirby, said:

“Many people don’t realise how easily everyday situations, like walking near a riverbank, or trying to cool off on a warm day – can end in tragedy.

“Our message is simple: We encourage people to reduce their risk of drowning by making safe choices around water and to know what to do if an emergency should happen.”

 

Many people also underestimate the dangers of jumping into water or taking a dip to cool off, with these dangers exacerbated for those with limited experience of outdoor swimming. Meanwhile, unseen hazards and cold-water shock can mean even strong swimmers can get into trouble.

Simple tips to help stay safe include:

• Stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge

• Don’t enter the water after drinking alcohol

• Walk a safe route home after drinking, with friends and away from water

• Cold water shock can kill, walking into the water rather than jumping in can help reduce the risk.

As the statistics show, many people do not expect their time near water to turn into an emergency, so knowing what to do if you or someone else is in trouble in the water can be lifesaving. If someone is in trouble in the water, the best way to help is by staying calm, staying on land, and remember Call, Tell, Throw:

• Call 999 for the emergency services

• Tell the struggling person to float on their back

• Throw them something that floats.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to ‘Float to Live’. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and breathe normally. Move your hands to help stay afloat. Spread your arms and legs out. Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety.

For more information follow #BeWaterAware on social media or visit Be Water Aware – NFCC