Nothing beats a day out by the river in summer. Picnics, ice cream, a refreshing dip in cool water. Paradise… except when things go wrong.
The month of May marks the beginning of that short period until August when 49% of all accidental drownings occur in the UK and Ireland (UK National Drowning Report, 2023). Far too many days out in the sun result in lost lives and grieving families. Over four consecutive days of hot weather in July 2022, 19 people lost their lives by drowning. The tragic thing is that many deaths can be prevented if people are more aware of water safety.
As we approach the summer, and days out by the water are more likely, it’s time to make people aware of the dangers of water and how to keep safe.
Children
The number of children dying from drowning has increased in recent years, from 20 in 2019 to 35 in 2022. That’s more than a full classroom of children. And around 25 of these drowned between May and August. The vast majority of these deaths occurred in inland waters - rivers, lakes and canals - and when there were no adults supervising.
It’s therefore essential that children understand the dangers of water. It can sometimes be difficult to get through to kids on serious matters. But water safety animations are the ideal way to start these conversations with kids. Try these animations by the Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) to get things started.
Learn to Swim
Being able to swim could save your life. And it’s never too late to learn. No matter how young or old you are, no matter how long it’s been since you last went in the water, you can become a swimmer with Active Luton.
When you learn to swim with us, we make it easy for you to practice your skills: you get to attend any of our lane, leisure and Fun Time Splash swims for just £1.
Water safety advice
While being a strong swimmer gives you a better chance of surviving in open water, sadly, many people who drown are actually swimmers. The reason they don’t survive is because they didn’t follow safety guidelines. Take a look at our most important water safety advice.
Never go in the water alone
If you’re swimming in open water, always have a ‘buddy’ there who can help you or find assistance if you get into difficulty.
If you’re taking children to open water, always stay near them and keep a close eye on them. If possible, dress them in brightly coloured swimwear and headwear so you have a better chance of seeing them in the water.
Do some research and find open water spots where there are lifeguards.
Beware the cold
Even on hot summer days, the water can be very cold, especially in rivers and streams where water is flowing from higher and colder places.
Cold water shock can cause breathing difficulties and restrict your muscles, making it harder to escape if you get into difficulty. Always enter the water slowly and gradually to let your body acclimatise, rather than jumping straight in.
Even if you’re a confident swimmer in the pool, you need to be aware that swimming in open water is more difficult. The cold water means your heart and lungs will be under more strain than in the pool. Cramp and exhaustion can set in more quickly and if you’re in deep water away from the shore, this can put you in serious danger
Understand hidden risks
Unlike swimming pools, open water isn’t always clear and you often can’t see the bottom. There are several unseen risks that can put you or your family in danger.
Sudden changes in depth can cause you to lose your balance when paddling or wading. Also, jumping in when the water is too shallow risks serious injury.
Hidden currents are also very dangerous. Water that looks calm on the surface can flow very powerfully just a couple of feet below. This can cause you to lose balance or even sweep you away. Swimming in open water currents takes more effort than in the pool, so be aware of this and manage your workload so you don’t exhaust yourself.
What’s more, there may be hidden objects beneath the surface that you can’t see, such as rocks, branches or even large bits of trash such as shopping trolleys or traffic cones. Avoid swimming near locks or weirs as there may be gaps you can get stuck in or bits sticking out that can cause injury.
Always check the area carefully to ensure it’s safe to enter.
Don’t go too far out
Whether you’re in the sea, a lake or a river, the further away from the shore or bank you go, the higher the risk. The water is likely to be deeper, have a stronger current and it’ll be harder for people to help you if you get into difficulty.
Stay calm
If you get into difficulty, stay calm. Try to float and call for help if possible. Don’t try to swim against a current as you’ll tire yourself out more quickly.
If you see someone else in difficulty, do not enter the water to save them. Follow the RLSS guidelines on how to rescue someone from drowning.
Is it clean?
Unfortunately, many natural waterways, including our coasts and rivers, are at risk from pollution that can cause health problems. Raw sewage may be dumped nearby or there may be polluting runoff from nearby farms or industry. Always check to see whether an open water swimming spot has been affected by pollution.
Lifeguarding
Finally, summer is the ideal time to become a lifeguard, as pools become busier. Lifeguarding is the ultimate summer job, particularly for students, as the hours are flexible and it pays a better rate than other part-time jobs available.
You’ll be making a real difference, helping people to enjoy water safely and perhaps even saving lives. You also gain valuable transferable skills including leadership, decision-making and communication, that will benefit you in future careers.
Active Luton, as one of the UK’s premier swimming venues, is an accredited provider of the RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification GENERATION 9 with Emergency First Aid at Work (NPLQ).
If you’re already a strong swimmer, we will pay for your Lifeguard training, and you are guaranteed a job interview at one of our centres after you qualify.
Check out our course dates and find the right one for you.