Summer is an amazing time to enjoy our beautiful water, but warmer weather is directly linked to an increase in fatal drowning. According to the RNLI, drowning has cost the world over 2.5 million lives in the last decade.
46% of drownings occur in the summer months and this rises to 75% amongst 13 – 17-year olds.
Do you know the Water Safety Code?
Whenever you are around water, make sure you stop and think and look for any dangers, always read the signs. Never swim alone, always go with family or friends.
In an emergency, phone 999. If you fall in, float or swim on your back. If you see someone who has fallen in, throw something that floats to them and call 999.
If you fall in water or become tired - stay calm, float on your back and call for help. Throw something that floats to somebody that has fallen in.
Watch the water safety code:
Beach flags and their meaning:
Beach flags are displayed by beach lifeguards in patrolled areas to provide guidance on the water and the wind conditions. They also inform beach users where the swimming and water sports zones are located.
Rip Currents:
Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore. They are formed when waves break near the shoreline and the water needs to find a way back out to sea.
If you are caught in a rip current, the recommended actions, according to the RLSS are:
- Call for help,
- If you have a buoyant aid (like a surfboard or inflatable), keep hold of it,
- Do not swim against the current,
- Swim parallel to the shore – this makes sure that you are swimming out of and not back into the rip current,
- Once out of the rip current, swim towards the shore, being careful to avoid being drawn back in by feeder currents.
Staying safe in the pool:
We asked Helen, our wonderful Aquatics Programme Co-Ordinator for her tips on drowning prevention in a public pool:
“It is really important to read and stick to the pool safety rules. It's crucial to check where the lifeguard will be positioned while you swim and to pass on any medical information that they may need to know about you before you enter the water.
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the location of pool safety equipment. If you get into difficulty, try to remain calm, float on your back, and shout for help. Signal for help by raising an arm with a clenched fist to let the lifeguard know you need assistance.”
If you want to make a difference, why not become a qualified lifeguard and help to keep pools safe? Our professional team is qualified to deliver the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification training. Our next course runs from Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November.