#GetWaterWise What to do if someone gets into trouble in open water
Would you know how to respond if saw someone struggling in a reservoir, lake, sea or river?
Last updated 23rd Jul 2021
The hot weather has seen a spike of deaths in our rivers, lakes, seas and reservoirs.
At least 14 lives have been lost in the last week, with others missing or hospitalised after getting into difficulty in open water.
But would you know what to do if you saw someone in trouble?
Life saving messages
Helen Bowker-Steer from the Royal Life Saving Society has these tips to get people to safety:
- Tell them you're sending for help
- Call 999
- Tell them to "Float to Live"
Helen said: "The most important thing is to make contact with them, shout to them and tell them you're going to try to help. Be sure to call 999, and in inland waters ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
"Your message from the side should be 'Float to Live'. Get them to put their head back, get their lungs full of air which will bring them up to the top of the water."
Don't forget to look out for local signage which might contain step-by-step guidance, and a location name to pass on to authorities.
The RNLI has this advice on "Float to Live":
Don't enter the water
One key message people often forget in an emergency situation is to not enter the water yourself if you see someone get into trouble.
You might fall victim to the same cold water shock, get caught in the same rip tides, or in debris or machinery that caused the person to struggle in the first place.
Helen says: "They are in the water because something's happened to them, and you can find yourself in the same incident.
"That means there might be two casualties. Even if you call 999, they might be coming for two people. It's best to stay on the side and think about what else you could use, and try and secure that person from the water's edge."
Make a water safety plan
A high percentage of people who die by accidental drowning never had any intention of entering the water. But those who do are being told to make sure you have a plan before setting out.
Helen says there are several questions you need the answers to before stepping foot into a lake, sea or river: "Where are you going to go, and what are those dangers? What activity are you going to do? If you are going to take a stand up paddle board out, or an inflatable kayak out have you got a buoyancy aid? Have you got a way of contacting someone if you get into difficulty? Do you know how to raise the alarm?"
"Perfect storm" for open water drownings
The warm weather, combined with schools breaking up, and fewer people going on foreign holidays have all been factors in the recent spike in drowning deaths.
Some schoolchildren have missed out on water safety education because of time spent away from the classroom during lockdown
WATCH: Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle looks at the recent spike in drownings and the demand for better education in schools
#GetWaterWise with these water safety tips
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.
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