How water-wise are you?

Multiple organisations across Yorkshire have joined forces to encourage people across the entire region to learn about the dangers of open water swimming, following the spate of recent tragedies in our area.

This is after recent hot weather has led to a spate of tragic water incidents on beaches and in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and canals.

Due to extremely hot temperatures in the last few weeks, people have been looking for ways to cool off, often choosing to go for a swim in the various water bodies across Yorkshire. Unfortunately, many people have little or no experience in open water and don’t realise the dangers so quickly find themselves getting into difficulty.

In response, 30 organisations in Yorkshire have come together for the first time to really drive home the importance of being water wise and understanding how to be safe in and around water. All Fire and Rescue Services, Police forces and Local Resilience Forums across Yorkshire, together with several Local Authorities, Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust, HM Coastguard, the RNLI, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and Outdoor Swimming Society are backing a campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of open water swimming for inexperienced people.

Richard Flinton, Chair of North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, said: “Open water can look very tempting, particularly on warm summer days, but it will often hide a multitude of hazards we cannot possibly see from above.

“Understanding those risks and taking a few simple steps, like knowing where is safe, sticking together, not jumping into cold water and making a point of reading any warning signs, could be the difference between life and death. ‘If in doubt stay out’ – offers food for thought for everyone. We are pleased to back a Yorkshire wide campaign on this important issue.”  

Since last summer, there have been at least 180 inland water incidents across Yorkshire, 18 of which resulted in fatalities. Nationally, in just 10 days (from 10th to 20th July 2021) there were 10 coastal deaths. Knowing and understanding the hazards of open water – both inland and at the coast – could help to drastically reduce the number of people who get into difficulty each year. Some key messages to remember when entering open water, are:

• Do not drink and dive - Alcohol and swimming do not mix! Alcohol badly affects judgement, swimming ability and body temperature.
• Stick together – whether they swim with you or watch from the shore, always make sure you have someone with you who can call for help if you get into difficulties. Always keep an eye on non-swimmers and children, even in shallow areas as they may unexpectedly drop off steeply.
• Read the signs – Literally, read the signs! If the landowner has put signage up saying the water isn’t safe to enter please take notice. There could be dangerous currents, obstacles or poor water quality, even if it looks okay on the surface.
• Acclimatise - cold water shock kills - As hot as it may be on land, water bodies in Yorkshire remain very cold all year round. Jumping or diving into cold water can cause a gasp reflex, which may cause you to inhale water, followed by rapid breathing (hyperventilation) which can lead to panic and possibly drowning. Paddling/wading gives your body the chance to adjust to the temperature and helps reduce the risk.  
• What lies beneath – Unexpected obstacles, machinery, strong rips or currents and hidden depths are all dangers to experienced and non-experienced swimmers alike.
• If in doubt, stay out – if you’re at all unsure of the water temperature, depth or quality, or don’t know if there are hidden dangers (e.g. obstacles, currents), don’t risk it. Swim at a lifeguarded area instead.

When swimming at the coast, choose beaches with lifeguards, adhere to local warning flags and signs and make sure you are aware of tide times. If you get caught in a rip current in the sea, don’t try to swim against it – instead, follow the RNLI’s Float to Live advice.

Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead at the RNLI, said: “If you do decide to go swimming – whether in open water or at a swimming pool – and end up getting into difficulty, the simplest but most important advice is Float to Live. Fight your instinct to thrash around. Lean back and extend your arms and legs. Float until you can control your breathing. Only then, call for help or swim to safety.

“If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you’re at the coast, ask for the Coastguard. If you’re inland, ask for the fire service.”

For those keen to take part in open water swimming, there are many local outdoor swimming clubs and groups who can offer advice on the safest way to take part in the activity. The Outdoor Swimming Society offers advice on how to swim safely in open water, including top tips for safe summer swimming.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) also has a raft of information available on their website - including important water safety lessons, resources and toolkits for children and families, which are all free to access.

RLSS UK’s Charity Director, Lee Heard, said: “As tempting as it may be to go for a quick dip on a hot day, open water swimming can be dangerous even for the most experienced swimmers due to a multitude of hazards. If you’re at all unsure, the best advice is to stay out of the water or find a swimming area with lifeguards.”

Water safety messages will be shared throughout summer using #WaterWiseYorkshire and we urge everyone to take notice of them and share with friends and family, to ensure as many people as possible know how to stay safe in water so we avoid further tragedies. Please visit the organisations’ websites or follow them on social media for updates.