As we head into the summer, more people will be heading to the beach or spending time around Berkshire’s rivers, lakes and canals. To make sure everyone stays safe, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is reminding them to ’Be Water Aware’ around our waterways.
The National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign is running from Monday, 28 April to Sunday, 4 May, and aims to remind people of the risks of open water and the steps they can take to reduce the likelihood of an emergency.
Paul Scott, Prevention Manager at RBFRS, says: “The latest statistics show that 273 people accidentally drowned in the UK in 2023, with 59 percent of those people never intending to enter the water. Whilst we want people to enjoy themselves in and around the water this summer, we must take this opportunity to remind people that accidents can happen and we need to know what steps we can all take to avoid them.
“If you find yourself in trouble in water, try not to panic and remember to ‘float to live’. Float on your back with your arms and legs spread to help regain control of your breathing. Once any cold water shock has passed, which usually takes around 90 seconds, call out for help or try to swim to safety.”
“Likewise, if you see someone else is in trouble, call 999 immediately and ask for either the Fire Service if you’re inland or the Coastguard if you’re at the beach. Shout out to the person to help them focus on their surroundings. If you are near a life ring or throw bag, please use them!”
Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. However, there are steps that you can take to avoid an incident from occurring in the first place.
Stay safe near open water.
In 2023, more than half of the people who accidentally drowned in the UK had no intention of entering the water. When running or walking next to the water, stay clear of the edges. Riverbanks and cliff edges may be unstable and give way – particularly after bad weather.
Take extra care and look out for trip or slip hazards along the water’s edge. Pay attention to your footing and avoid walking or running next to water if levels are high.
If you are walking the dog and they end up in the water, do not go in after them.
Respect the water. It’s stronger than you think.
If you want to swim in open water, either go as part of an organised swimming group or go to a location that is marked as safe for swimming, ideally with a lifeguard.
Other stretches of open water such as rivers, lakes, canals or quarries can be dangerous. There is often no way to be sure of what is beneath the surface and unseen currents or debris could pull you under. Do not jump into open water, often referred to as ‘tombstoning’, as this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock, even on the warmest day.
Cold water can kill.
Cold water shock refers to the reaction of the body to entering cold water.Cold water shock can have a dramatic effect on your body, such as causing you to breathe in water, make your muscles weaken, and can even cause your heart to go into abnormal rhythms, ultimately resulting in death.
Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water so there is a significant risk of it occurring when entering the water at any time of year, even in the summer.Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C. Rivers such as the Thames are colder.
Know what to do in an emergency.
Call 999 for help if someone is in trouble in the water. Never enter the water to attempt a rescue. Ask for the Coastguard at the coast.
Tell them to float on their back.
Throw them something that floats. This can be lifesaving equipment such as a throwline, but anything that floats can help save a life.
Float to live.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to float to live. Do not panic, float on your back until the effects of cold water shock pass.
When the cold water shock has passed, you can then swim to the edge or call for help.
Alcohol and water don’t mix.
Do not enter the water if you have been drinking and avoid walking routes near water if you are under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol affects your ability to get yourself out of trouble, so find another route home instead. Look out for your friends and make sure they get home safely.
For more information and safety advice about spending time in and around water, visit the Water Safety page on our website.