Water Safety
People enjoy time in, on and around the water, however every year people drown in coastal and inland waters and yet many of these deaths are preventable.
Nationally there are over 200 deaths in the UK from accidental fatalities annually.
- 80% are males
- Younger males (aged 15-30) and those aged 50-65 (including females) are particularly at risk.
- 63% of accidental fatalities happened around inland locations, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs and quarries. 37% were at the coast / shore / beach / docks / harbours.
- Around 40% of people who lost their lives were not intending to enter the water e.g. walking, running, cycling and angling. People trip, fall or underestimate the risks associated with being near water.
- In effect, middle-aged people are just as likely (if not more likely) to lose their lives as younger people undertaking more risky behaviours.
Why it matters
Lancashire is one of the highest water risk counties in the UK. This is likely to be due to the varied geography – coast, rivers, canals, reservoirs and quarries Not all those who lose their lives are Lancashire residents. This is particularly the case with the coast and easy to access ‘beauty spots’. Most of the fatalities are male. Varied age ranges suggest a general problem. Highest risk districts - Lancaster, Preston, BwD, Burnley and South Ribble.
Open Water
- Swimming in open water can be great for exercise and a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. But it can also be very dangerous.
- Do it in a responsible way with other people about and where help is close by. Organised groups are the best way.
- Swimming in canals, rivers, lakes, quarries, the sea or any other open water where the activity is not part of an organised swimming group can be very risky for a variety of reasons
Water Risks
- Slippery banks – this will make it hard to exit the water.
- Waste – dumped rubbish can harm you or mean getting entangled.
- Pollution – waterways may contain dangerous chemicals.
- Currents – underwater currents can be very strong and hard to fight.
- Cold temperatures – open water in the UK remains cold all year round and can lead to cold water shock.
- Water levels – quickly changing water depth levels can result in serious injury if jumping in or being quickly out of your depth.
- No lifeguard – you may be very isolated and that nobody will be there to help if things go wrong.
If near water
- When walking/jogging/cycling etc stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge - tell someone where you are going.
- Be aware of the serious effects of using drugs and alcohol near or around water.
- Try to walk a safe route home after drinking, not on your own and away from water. Be a Mate.
- Cold water shock can kill. Entering the water gradually rather than jumping in gives the body chance to adjust to the water temperature, which can help reduce the risk
If in the water
- Anyone can get into difficulty in the water, even strong swimmers.
- Respect the water - be mindful that the worst can happen at any time.
- Even on a warm day the water can be very cold. Jumping in can cause cold water shock, a physical reaction which can cause panic and make it difficult to breathe and swim. Gasping can lead to possible inhalation of water which can lead to drowning.
- Anyone struggling in the water should Float To Live. Lie flat on your back with your head tilted back and arms and legs spread out. Try to relax and breathe normally. Move your hands to help stay afloat. Once your breathing is controlled and the effects of cold water shock have passed shout for help or swim to safety.
- If someone is in trouble in water, call 999. Do not enter the water yourself - attempting a rescue as this can often result in emergency services needing to find and rescue more people from the water
Useful Info and Resources
There are a number of resources available on the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service website, including from partners:
- HM Coastguard
- RNLI
- RLSS
- RoSPA
- United Utilities
- Canal & River Trust