Summer Water Safety Tips To Save Lives

Mums Tips

Parenting Skills

Published on Sunday, 14 July 2013 08:00

Last Updated on 08 July 2013

Monica Costa

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The UK’s drowning prevention charity provides Summer Water Safety Tips To Save Lives as forecasters predict red-hot July.

The weather is hotting-up this month according to forecasters and the UK’s drowning prevention charity – the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) – has issued water safety tips that could save lives this summer.

The met-office recently announced its prediction for a heatwave for the rest of the month which means people will be out enjoying the weather, often with activities involving families being in, on or near water.

Around 60 children drown in the UK each summer, and around 75 UK citizens drown on holiday abroad so being aware of the basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase enjoyment and significantly reduce the number deaths each year.

So, with temperatures on the rise and many people preparing for their summer holidays, ensuring simple advice is followed by all members of the family is just as important as remembering to slap on sun cream or remembering your passport, says RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Standley.

“It is great news that July is set to be a wonderful month for weather. But, ensuring you and your family are clear on water safety and steps to take to keep everyone safe in and around water could mean the difference between a happy summer holiday, and a devastating family tragedy.

“We want people to enjoy all of the fun activities water has to offer at home and abroad during the hot weather but to do so safety by following simple advice,” she added.

Top 10 Water Safety Tips At Home

1) Do not allow your child to use a paddling pool without adult supervision

2) Ensure paddling pools are emptied and turned upside-down as soon as they are finished with for the day

3) Check the garden regularly for anything that could collect water, like buckets and wheelbarrows

4) Supervise children closely when in parks or other places that might have a river, pond or lake

5) Ensure all members of your family know to wave and shout help if they get into difficulty and practice treading water when at your local pool

6) Take extra care on river banks, they are often slippery and can crumble and beware of locks and weirs where water flows quickly

7) Take notice of warning signs

8) Never swim alone

9) If swimming in open water, be aware of underwater hazards, currents, uneven depths and water temperatures – all of these could pose a threat to swimmers

10) When around water, stay back from the edge. At least 22 per cent of people who drown fall into the water by accident, for example when fishing, running or walking

Also, be aware that more people drown in inland waters than coastal or at sea.

Top 10 Water Safety Tips Abroad

1) When researching your holiday, check the safety arrangements of any water-based activities

2) When booking your holiday check if the pool/beach has lifeguard cover. Not all water sites have supervision at all times

3) Check bathing sites for hazards, check the safest places to swim and always read the signs – find out what local warning signs and flags mean

4) Make sure the whole family can swim

5) Swim with any children in your care – it’s more fun and you can keep them close and safe

6) Follow the pool rules

7) Take time to check the depth, water flow and layout of pools

8) Never enter the water after drinking alcohol

9) On beaches check when the tide will be high and low and make sure that you won’t be cut off from the beach exit by the rising tide

10) Inflatable dinghies or lilos are a well-known hazard – each year there are drownings as people on inflatables are blown out to sea. Do not use them in open water

Also, be aware that the majority of holiday accidents occur in the first or last hour at a resort, when parents are most likely to be distracted.

In addition to the above tips, ensure you and your family know the SAFE code:

Spot – spot the dangers

Advice – follow safety signs and advice

Friend – stay close to a friend or family member

Emergency – shout for help and call 999 or 112

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the drowning prevention charity. More than 400 people drown in the UK every year and the RLSS UK aims to prevent drowning through water safety education.
The RLSS UK is the governing body and leading provider of training and education in lifesaving, lifeguarding, water safety and life support skills in the UK. There are nearly 90,000 RLSS UK Pool Lifeguards in the UK holding the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). Around 95 per cent of all pool and beach lifeguards are trained by the RLSS UK.
Awards and programmes teach a range of ‘lifesaving skills ranging from life support (CPR) to water survival and rescue skills. Programmes include Rookie Lifeguard (aimed at eight to12-year –olds), Survive and Save (aimed at 12years+) and Save a Baby’s Life (a free course aimed at parents and carers of young children).
The RLSS UK (then the Life Saving Society) was formed in 1891. In 1904, as there was great support for the organisation from the Royal Family, the society was granted permission to use the Royal title and became the Royal Life Saving Society.