Five people accidently drowned in London's waterways last year
Water safety experts are reminding the public how they can stay safe whilst enjoying open water across the UK.
Water safety experts are urging the public to be more vigilant around open water as new figures show 193 people died from accidental drowning last year.
5 of those who died drowned in London's waterways.
The data from the National Water Safety Forum shows May was the deadliest month last year, with 28 people losing their lives.
This is believed to be due to rising temperature leading to more people entering open water to cool down.
The NWSF have now launched a new Respect the Water campaign to remind the public of the dangers of open water swimming, including cold-water shock.
Cold-water shock is a risk for those going into open water as, despite air temperatures getting warmer, many inland waters remain below 16 degrees.
If you get in trouble when in the water, the NWSF says you should float to live.
This works by
- Tilting your head back with your ears submerged under water
- Try to relax and breath normally
- Call for help once the effects of cold-water shock pass
If you see someone else struggling in the water, the advice is call, tell and throw
- Call 999 for help
- Tell the struggling person to float on their back
- Throw them something that floats, like a life ring, inflatable toy or water bottle