National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Issue Water Safety Warning

With continuing hot weather over the half term holidays, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is issuing an urgent call for parents and carers to speak to young people about the dangers of entering unsupervised open water. The warning comes after four confirmed drownings of teenagers in inland water over the bank holiday weekend. 

Such incidents are a tragedy and our thoughts are with everyone affected. They have a devastating impact on families, friends, communities and emergency responders, and serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with open water. 

Fire chiefs are urging families to have conversations with children and young people about the risks associated with rivers, lakes, quarries, canals and reservoirs, particularly during periods of warm weather when more people are drawn to the water. While air temperatures may feel warm, water temperatures can remain dangerously cold enough to trigger cold water shock, which can affect breathing and movement within seconds. 

Fire and rescue services often see an increase in call outs to water safety incidents as temperatures rise. People often underestimate the risks of open water which can look calm but often have hidden dangers such as submerged objects, hidden currents and sudden drops. Even the strongest swimmers in a pool may struggle if they are not experienced open water swimmers. 

Research released by Bournemouth University in 2024 indicates when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C, there is a fivefold increase in accidental drowning risk when compared to days with an average of 10°C. Analysis also shows three times as many accidental drowning fatalities occur on days when air temperatures reach 25°C or more, when compared to the seasonal average. 

Gavin Ellis, NFCC Drowning Prevention lead said:   

“No family should have to experience the devastation of losing a loved one in the water. We know that warm weather encourages people to visit rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but these places can be extremely dangerous. 

“Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how confident they feel in the water. Jumping into open water can cause an involuntary gasp response, panic and loss of swimming ability almost immediately, which is why we urge people not to swim in unsupervised locations during this hot weather. 

“We’re asking parents and carers to have open conversations with children and teenagers about the risks, and for young people to look after each other and make safe decisions around water. These incidents can happen very quickly, but many are preventable.” 

Water Safety Public Safety Advice:  

• Speak to young people about the dangers of open water. 
• Swim in supervised locations. 
• Do not jump into water to cool off.  
• Never enter the water to attempt a rescue – instead call 999 immediately. 
• If spending time in, on or around water, install location apps such as what3 words so if an incident should happen emergency services know where you are. Do not enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol.  Make sure you know how to help yourself and other people in the event of a water-related emergency. 

If you see someone else in trouble in the water this summer, remember Phone, Float, Throw:  

• Phone 999 to get help. 
• Tell the struggling person to float on their back. 
• Throw them something that floats. 

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live by:  

• Tilting your head back with ears submerged. 
• Relaxing – to try to control your breathing. 
• Moving your hands to help stay afloat. 
• Once over the initial shock, calling for help or swimming to safety.