Winter water safety
Icy ponds, lakes and rivers can be stunningly beautiful – the perfect #winterwonderland shot for your Instagram.
But frozen water is unpredictable, too.
You can never really know what’s going on under that gleaming ice – and a fall through it could be fatal. In recent years, there have been several tragic cases of people losing their lives after falling through ice.
Here are our top tips for staying safe in the water this winter:
Stay off the ice
Frozen water can look stronger and more solid than it really is. If the ice cracks and you fall into freezing water, you’re at risk of hypothermia, cardiac arrest and drowning. So however tempting that frozen pond or lake may be to venture out on, it’s just not worth the risk.
Stay away from the water's edge in winter
Fallen leaves and snow can obscure boundaries, so be sure to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge. Take extra care if you’re on a path close to the water in the winter, as it may be icy and slippery.
Put your dog on a lead
Most dogs will be intrigued by an icy pond or lake and may want to investigate. But if they get in trouble and you try to rescue them, you’ll both be in danger. So we recommend you keep your dog on a lead near frozen water and save your ball games and stick-throwing for safer spaces.
Supervise children
You can’t be too vigilant when it comes to children and frozen water. Just a moment’s distraction can lead to devastating consequences. Keep a close eye on them at all times and make sure they understand the basics of winter water safety.
Read the signs
It's easy to ignore safety signage. Don't! Take a minute or two to read about potential hazards - these signs could just save your life.
Don't attempt a rescue. Call 999
If you see someone in trouble in freezing water, your gut response will be to try to rescue them. But that puts you in danger too. Instead, keep calm, call 999 and provide clear, accurate information about your situation and location.
Winter water safety for all
We know that if more people have basic knowledge about winter water safety, lives will be saved. Will you help us spread the word?
If you have children, teach them the basics
Make sure your whole family understand the dangers posed by ice and freezing cold water.
Talk to your local school
It’s so important for children and young people to learn about water safety, both within the classroom and in the water environment. This means that children will have the potentially life-saving skills and knowledge they need to make the right choices around water.
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.
Read more
Summer water safety
The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy our beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and lochs.
Float to live
If you find yourself struggling in the water, would you know what to do?
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.