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Water safety and drowning

Every year, in the UK, around 400 people die from drowning as a result of an accident in or around water.

There are thousands of individuals who survive drowning events but who are left with severe, and often permanent, life-changing injuries.  Our search, rescue and emergency services respond to over 100,000 water-related rescue, and flood events annually. All of these place huge burdens on families, individuals and society.

Many of these deaths are as a result of simple everyday mistakes, such as a trip or fall into water, or misjudgments such as underestimating the effect of swimming in cold open water unprepared can have. Others result from inherently risky activities including jumping/tombstoning from a great height into water.

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Does your organisation operate around or near water?

Discover how to keep your employees safe—read our business information today

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Angling

Read our tips on how to stay safe when you're out fishing.

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Coastal tides

The UK has some of the biggest tidal ranges in the world. Find out how to not to get  caught out by the tide

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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.

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Diving

Find out about how to dive safely with our advice

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Float to live

If you find yourself struggling in the water, would you know what to do?

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Hot tub

Who doesn't love a relaxing dip in a hot tub? But hot tubs do come with risks.

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Inflatables

The risk with inflatables and how to use them safely.

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Kayaking and canoeing

What are the dangers and how to stay safe.

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Open water swimming

Open water swimming can be dangerous, so it’s vital to arm yourself with the right knowledge to stay safe.

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Pond safety

Ponds are lovely to look at and great for wildlife. But sadly, they pose a serious risk to young children.

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Staying safe on holiday

Holidays are meant to be a break from everyday stress and demands, aren’t they? So the last thing you need is to be worrying about things going wrong, read our top tips for holiday safety

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Summer water safety

The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy our beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and lochs.

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Tombstoning

As long as there’s been water, there’s been people wanting to jump into it.

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Water safety code

The Water Safety Code gives you essential and easy-to-remember information about how to stay safe in or near water.

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Water safety flags

Water safety signs and flags could save your life, so it's vital to take the time to learn what they're telling you to do - or not do!

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Water safety signs

Find out about the three main types of water safety signs when you are around water.

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Winter water safety

Icy ponds, lakes and rivers can be stunningly beautiful, but frozen wateris unpredictable,too. Read our top tips for staying safe.