This morning our Junior students had a very informative assembly about water safety. As we enter the summer months and hopefully, the warmer weather, it is important to be aware of the dangers of water and how to stay safe around open water.

Underestimating the dangers of open water can have tragic consequences, and you can’t always see the danger hidden below the surface. The key to staying safe is making the right choices, as drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the UK.

🔴 Stop and Think: Take notice of the water safety signs and information. Go to a lifeguard-attended beach or venue and swim between the red and yellow flags.

🔴 Never Go Near Open Water Alone: Always stay away from open water if you are by yourself. Ensure you are always with a friend or family member if you are going for a walk near open water. Everyone is safer together.

🔴 If you or someone else is in danger in water: CALL 999! Be sure not to enter the water or attempt to rescue someone on ice or in the water. Wait for help and keep safe.

You can help people in the water by calmly talking to them with clear instructions and by throwing the nearest piece of rescue equipment or something that will float. Encourage anyone who has been in open or cold water to go to hospital. If an ambulance has been called, ensure the person is calm and warm until they arrive and take over.

There are many hidden dangers in open water that can take even the strongest swimmers by surprise, and you can end up in danger very quickly. Below are just a few examples:

• Undercurrents: These have the ability to pin even the strongest of swimmers to the bottom of the riverbed.
• Submerged strainers: e.g., a tree or shopping trolley that water can pass through but a human cannot.
• Contamination: From unclean water, which can lead to infections and diseases.
• Cold water shock: Even on a really hot day, the water will remain cold and could cause your body to go into shock, which will affect your ability to swim as you can experience lack of breath, panic, increased blood pressure, and involuntary bodily reflexes. This is a key reason why people drown.

🌊 FLOAT TO LIVE:

• Fight your instinct to thrash around: First, keep calm and lean back. Try not to panic; your instinct will be to swim hard, but don’t, as this will make you tired very quickly.
• Lean back: Lie on your back and float like a starfish if you get into trouble in the water. Breathe slowly, and then you can make a plan to get to safety.
• Gentle movements: If you need to, gently move your arms and legs in a sculling motion (a bit like you’re an oar in a boat).
• Catch your breath: Float on your back until you are able to catch your breath and control your breathing. Do this for 60-90 seconds or until you feel calm.
• Now think about how to get out: Only now can you think about the next steps.