Summer water safety

The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy our beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and lochs. Swimming and playing in water are great for our wellbeing - and perfect for cooling off on hot days.

But water accidents don’t stop for the summer. Around half of all drowning deaths happen in June, July and August. So it’s vital to be vigilant - even when the sun’s shining and the water has never looked more inviting.

The good news? With the right knowledge and judgment, most water accidents can be prevented.

Here are our top tips for staying safe in the water this summer

Local doesn't mean safe

Rivers, lakes and lochs close to home are the most frequent location for drowning deaths. So stay vigilant, even if you’re
staying local.

Choose beachs and swim spots with lifeguards

Lifeguards really do play a pivotal role in keeping you safe. They'll help you avoid dangers like rip currents, tidal cut offs and offshore winds

Avoid alcohol before entering the water

Yes, a cold beer on the beach or riverbank might sound tempting. But it could impair your judgement and increase the chances of an accident

Learn about the water

Knowledge of rip currents and tidal cut offs could save your life - or someone else's.

Understand Cold Water Shock

When you enter cold water rapidly, Cold Water Shock can fatally affect your breathing and ability to swim. our life - or someone else's.

Float to live

If you get into trouble, stay calm, float on your back and call for help. If you see someone else in trouble, throw them something that floats.

Call 999 in an emergency

Make sure everyone in your group knows how to call 999 in an emergency.

Summer water safety for all

It's simple: if more people know how to stay safe in the water this summer, more lives will be saved. Here are some ways you can help us spread the word about summer water safety:

Check in with your employer

Is water safety taken seriously enough in your organisation’s health and safety policy? It should be – especially if your workplace is close to water.

If you have children, teach them the basics

Make sure your whole family knows basic water safety and what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly.

Talk to your local school

It’s so important to include swimming lessons and basic water safety in the school curriculum. This means that children will have the potentially life-saving skills and knowledge they need to make the right choices around water. the water unexpectedly.

Cold water shock

Cold water shock is a key factor in many water-related deaths in the UK. Find out more about cold water shock is and what to do if you’re affected by it.

Find out more