Stamford and Rutland residents warned to #GetWaterWise this summer
We're raising awareness of the dangers of open water, as we enter the season where accidental drownings are most likely to occur
Stamford and Rutland residents are being warned about the dangers of open water swimming, as we enter the time of year where accidental drownings occur most.
It's all too easy for people to want to cool off in the hot weather by jumping into rivers and lakes, but Barbara Crellin MBE from Rutland Community First Responders told us why it's the wrong idea.
"Keep yourself safe. If it's open water or rivers don't swim in them, because they are much much colder than the sea, much colder than your swimming pool, and actually the shock of getting into really cold water can cause cardiac problems or shock and things like that.
"If somebody does get into problems, the best advice I can give is to dial 999, whatever you do, do not jump in the water after them, because the last thing the ambulance responders or coastguards want is two casualties.
"I know it's very difficult how dad's go in water to save a child in difficulty and then two of them end up in problems, so ring 999, throw something to them, if you've got something that'll float whether it's a ball or ring, a rope's ideal because you can then pull them in."
Why there's more concern over water safety this summer
Water safety campaigners are warning this summer could be one of the worst ever for accidental drownings in our waterways and coasts.
A combination of people staying in the UK, warmer weather, and young people missing out on swimming education are all factors that threaten to send numbers soaring this year.
We're launching our #GetWaterWise project to raise awareness of the issue and try and prevent further tragedies.
WATCH: Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle sets out the facts about accidental drowning
Know the facts on accidental drowning
Unfortunately, people of all ages can die in drowning accidents:
- On average 402 people across the UK and Ireland die in our waterways each year
- July and August are the months in which most fatalities occur
- 82% of deaths are male
- 47% of those who die have no intention of entering the water
Lack of education could increase risk
The Royal Life Saving Society is urging parents and carers to make sure their children know about water safety.
Each year, they host Drowning Prevention Week, which this year runs between 19th and 26th June.
- Over 55% of parents surveyed said they would not be confident their child would know what to do if they fell into open water
- Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children and the risk of drowning increases from the age of 15
- 1 in 3 of those surveyed said their swimming abilities limited the activities they could do
- 62.4% of accidental drowning happen in inland water.
- 95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not swim
Campaign to save lives
In the run up to the summer holidays, we'll be using the hashtag #GetWaterWise to pass on safety advice in our news, and on our social media feeds.
We hope it can prevent a spike in incidents this summer.
RLSS UK’s Charity Director Lee Heard, said: “We are surrounded by opportunities to be in or near water. Whatever their age and activity level, everyone should be having fun, creating memories and feeling at ease around the water.
"The inequality in access to swimming and water safety education, and subsequent lack of potential interaction with the water is a big concern."
#GetWaterWise Water safety tips to stay safe this summer
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.