WATCH: Spike in drowning deaths as warm weather continues
12 water related deaths reported in the last four days. Our documentary charts a "perfect storm" of conditions that cause such tragedies
Last updated 21st Jul 2021
Water safety experts are warning people to know the dangers of open water, as the country is hit by a spike in accidental drownings.
With temperatures soaring, schools breaking up and families avoiding foreign holidays a "perfect storm" has been created that has seen a large number of water related incidents across the UK.
Emergency crews have spent the last week in quarries, lakes, reservoirs and rivers rescuing people who've got into difficulties, and a number of fatalities have been reported.
- 12 people are reported to have died in the last four days alone
- Searches continue for 4 missing people
- 5 people are currently in hospital after being involved in water-related incidents
WATCH: Drowning tragedies as temperatures soar
Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle reports on a spate of incidents nationwide.
We've teamed up with radio stations across the country to spread our #GetWaterWise awareness campaign to highlight the issue of water safety this summer
Last year, 254 people died by accidental drowning. Many of those never intended to go into the water.
July and August are the peak months for deaths, and our reporters have been responding to incidents across the UK
#GetWaterWise Campaign to raise awareness continues
Families who've lost loved ones in drowning accidents have been sharing their stories as part of the #GetWaterWise campaign.
And organisations are urging people to know the dangers of entering open water before they fully understand the risks
#GetWaterWise with these top 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.