Hottest day: Firefighters in Staffordshire warn children about open water
They say the combination of summer holidays and hot weather could mean more groups around canals and lakes
Last updated 18th Jul 2024
With Friday 19th July 2024 expected to be the hottest day of the year, parents across Staffordshire and Cheshire are being urged to talk to their children about the dangers of open water.
Schools are set to be out for summer and firefighters tell us they're counting on all parents and guardians to make sure it’s not a recipe for disaster.
Temperatures are expected to reach high 20s, and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service says children up and down the county are going to be excitable after breaking up. This, paired with the temptation to go into open water with friends on the way back from school, can result in fatal consequences, warns prevent and protect lead Ian Read.
He said: “We don’t want to spoil anyone’s summer before it’s even started, but we’re urging parents and guardians to speak to their children about the dangers involved with open water swimming before accidents happen in the coming days.
“There’s plenty of beauty spots on route homes from school with lakes, rivers and canals. Jumping in to them often causes rapid shock because the water is much colder than people realise, resulting in difficulty breathing and an inability to call for help.
“Not to mention, water is often much shallower than expected and can result in serious impact injuries. Sharp objects can be on the bottom, as well as dangerous pollutants in dirty waters than can lead to illness.
“Having a conversation with a child about the dangers involved in open water swimming can go such a long way. We know they’ll probably be thinking far ahead about what they’re doing with their time off, but warning them of the dangers involved while temperatures are high could end up saving their life.”
What to do if you spot someone in trouble?
If you do see someone or an animal in open water, firefighters advise not going in to help them yourself.
Instead, call 999 as soon as possible and try to find something nearby to throw at them so they can use it to float.
If you fall into water by accident, follow the float to live advice:
- Fight your instinct to thrash around
- Lean back, extend your arms and legs
- If you need to, gently move them around to help you float
- Float until you can control your breathing
- Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives.