Whether you’re in the garden, at the beach or on holiday this summer please keep water safety in mind:

 Be a water watcher and actively supervise children in and around the water at all times. Don’t rely on older children to supervise younger children.

 Don’t assume that because a child can swim, they will be safe. Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty quickly.

 Even if you’re not planning to be near the water, be alert to any water nearby and be mindful of children wandering off.

 Expect children to do unexpected things. They can’t be relied on to keep themselves safe, even if they say they can.

 Pick a bright coloured swimsuit so it’s easier to spot your child in the water.

 Cool baths are great for very hot kids, but stay with them at all times, just like you would with the paddling pool. Young children can drown in minutes and there’s no noise to alert you.

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Here are some things you should be aware of:

• Water can contain many unseen hazards which can lead to injury and put your life at risk
• Open water is usually colder than that of your average swimming pool – this can affect your ability to swim and the temperature may cause your body to go into cold water shock which can lead to panic and even drowning
• In cold water, even the strongest swimmers fatigue quickly as the body’s core temperature deteriorates four times faster
• Some reservoirs can be up to 50 meters deep with sudden drop points that are impossible to see
• There can be unpredictable undercurrents which even the strongest swimmers may struggle with
• Water can look still but the undercurrents can pin a person to the riverbed
• There may be submerged strainers e.g. a tree, a shopping trolley, or vehicles under the water that water can pass through but humans cannot
• Water may have underwater equipment, particularly in reservoirs
• There may be contamination from unclean / unsafe water which can lead to infections and diseases

What should I do if I fall into water?

FLOAT TO LIVE

Now think about how to get out
Only now can you think about the next steps

Fight your instinct to thrash around
First keep calm and try not to panic, your instinct will be to swim hard, don’t

Lean back
Lay on your back and float like a starfish if you get into trouble in the water, breathe slowly, then you can make a plan or swim to safety if possible

Gentle movements
If you need to, gently move your arms and legs in a sculling motion (a bit like when using an ore in a boat)

Catch your breath
Float until you can control your breathing. Do this for 60-90seconds or until you feel calm

STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER